The Philippines praised the UAE’s remarkable progress and thanked the leadership for their profound support for the Filipino people on the celebrations of the country’s 49th National Day.

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Hjayceelyn Quintana said that the UAE has achieved remarkable accomplishments for nearly five decades since their union in 1971, and that their vision translates towards many milestones across different fields as a young nation.

“The UAE has so much to show and to be proud of in just half a century. From the time Sheikh Zayed began building this nation in 1971, the UAE has marched to the beat of progress and solidarity with other nations in quick pace and in equal measure,” said Amb. Quintana.

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A Second Home for Filipinos

Amb. Quintana also thanked the UAE for acting as the Filipinos’ home away from home and said that many overseas Filipinos who have lived and worked here are proud to have witnessed the growth of the nation.

“Many Filipinos call the UAE their second home and are honored and humbled to be part of the growth and success story of the UAE. Indeed, we are grateful to the UAE for making the Filipinos an important and integral part of its vibrant multicultural fabric,” said Amb. Quintana.

The Philippine Ambassador to the UAE noted how Filipinos have contributed to the UAE’s battle against the coronavirus disease with many Filipino healthcare professionals on the frontlines as well as those who have participated for the vaccine trials. She also praised overseas Filipino workers who have remained resilient and have contributed to help the UAE’s economy bounce back from the crisis.

“Filipino professionals and service workers give their best in overcoming the shocks on the economy induced by the pandemic and performed remarkably in nursing UAE companies and industries back to robust health,” said Amb. Quintana.

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40 years of valuable friendship

Amb. Quintana also thanked the UAE for their sense of urgency in times when the Philippines needed aid, particularly during the recent typhoons, the Taal Volcano eruption, as well as sending an aid plane for the Philippines’ frontliners.

“This year alone, the UAE was the first to commit assistance and to send a team early to help those affected by the recent supertyphoons that destroyed lives and livelihood in the Philippines. At the height of the pandemic, the UAE sent a planeload of humanitarian assistance for medical frontliners in the Philippines,” said Amb. Quintana.

She wishes to congratulate all of the Emiratis who work alongside Filipinos and the entire UAE community to propel this country towards greater heights in the years to come.

“With distinct honor and privilege, I extend warmest congratulations to the Emirati people on the occasion of the 49th National Day. Mabuhay ang United Arab Emirates!” said Amb. Quintana.

Here’s Amb Quintana’s message in full:

“On behalf of the Filipinos in UAE, we join our Emirati brothers and sisters in celebrating 49 remarkable years of their Union. The UAE has so much to show and to be proud of in just half a century. From the time Sheikh Zayed began building this nation in 1971, the UAE has marched to the beat of progress and solidarity with other nations in quick pace and in equal measure.

“The Philippines and UAE have a deep relationship underpinned by the values and principles of mutual respect and mutual help, nurtured with great care in the past 40 years. The relationship continues to grow and expand as both our governments work together and cooperate in many fields of endeavour, unfazed by the challenges of the times.

“Many Filipinos call the UAE their second home and are honored and humbled to be part of the growth and success story of the UAE. Indeed, we are grateful to the UAE for making the Filipinos an important and integral part of its vibrant multicultural fabric. During the time of the public health crisis of 2020, Filipino healthcare professionals put their lives on the line, serving in the frontlines, nursing the sick back to health, ensuring UAE residents are safe from COVID-19, and taking part in vaccine trials to help the world find a cure. Likewise, Filipino professionals and service workers give their best in overcoming the shocks on the economy induced by the pandemic and performed remarkably in nursing UAE companies and industries back to robust health.

“For the Filipino people, UAE is synonymous to being a true friend in times of natural calamities. The UAE has always rushed to the aid of Filipinos, helping in re-building homes and schools and getting communities back on track. This year alone, the UAE was the first to commit assistance and to send a team early to help those affected by the recent supertyphoons that destroyed lives and livelihood in the Philippines. At the height of the pandemic, the UAE sent a planeload of humanitarian assistance for medical frontliners in the Philippines.

“Again, with distinct honor and privilege, I extend warmest congratulations to the Emirati people on the occasion of the 49th National Day of the United Arab Emirates!

“Mabuhay ang United Arab Emirates!”