Philippine National Heroes Day to be celebrated in Cavan

The Filipino community in Ireland is set to mark a historic occasion with the celebration of Philippine National Heroes Day this Saturday, August 23, at the Cavan Crystal Hotel. More than 300 Filipinos and their Irish supporters are expected to attend the event, which will feature cultural performances, recognition ceremonies, and the promotion of community services.

This year’s celebration is particularly significant as it will be the first official county visit of H.E. Ambassador Daniel R. Espiritu, the newly appointed Philippine Ambassador to Ireland. The occasion follows the reopening of the Philippine Embassy in Ireland after more than a decade. The Migrant Workers Office–Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (MWO–OWWA) London will also be present, providing services and updates to overseas Filipinos.

Filipino employees from companies such as McCarren Meats, Liffey Meats, Manor Farm, and other local businesses will be recognised, along with community leaders from across Dublin, Kildare, Sligo, Limerick, Waterford, Louth, Kilkenny, Leitrim, and Galway.

The morning programme will feature a welcome message from Deputy Brendan Smith, a keynote address from Ambassador Espiritu, sponsor messages, a history of the Filipino community in Ireland, and cultural performances from Joshua Regala, the Royal Irish Academy of Music, the Philippine Chorale, and Proof Juice.

In addition, Ambassador Espiritu will announce the launch of the Cavan Artists and Writers website during Culture Night on September 19. The afternoon session will involve networking, light refreshments, a raffle draw, and OWWA services.