The Philippines marked its 127th Independence Day in Vienna at the iconic Klimt Villa with a milestone tribute exhibit encapsulating eight decades of the Filipino spirit of international service, honoring current and former Filipino staff of the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in Vienna.

From the theme “Filipinos in UN Vienna: 80 years of Dedication to Multilateralism,” Philippine Ambassador to Austria H.E. Evangelina A. Bernas paid tribute to the Filipino professionals who helped shape international policymaking and uphold the values of the United Nations.

“As the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, allow me to honor the Filipinos who have lent their talent to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna in various capacities, and who have contributed to the advancement of multilateralism and global governance over the past decades,” Bernas said.

Guest of Honor Ambassador Maximilian Hennig, Chief of Protocol of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, expressed Austria’s appreciation to the Filipino community’s contributions to Austrian society.

“Thank you for your hospitality, for giving us football champions (David Alaba), European Song Contest winners (Johannes “JJ” Pietsch) and Filipino workers — international civil servants, scientists, university professors, engineers, entrepreneurs and many thousands of carers and medical professionals who have taken care of the most vulnerable of our society. We are privileged to be here,” he said.

Guests were treated to a performance by Maria Isabel Zavala and Damodar Das Castillo, two of the Philippines youngest rising musical talents in Vienna.

The notable occasion was attended by nearly 300 members of the diplomatic corps, business community, host government officials and the Filipino Community in Austria, Croatia, Slovenia and Slovakia.

It was a celebration of national pride, international solidarity and lasting legacy of Filipino excellence in the service of the global community.