Weeks after Philippine Independence Day, the flag still had work to do in Tehran, where the Philippine Embassy in Tehran gathered Filipinos for a small Independence Day salu-salo.

The event was the first time that the Filipino community gathered together after a one-year hiatus; the event pushed through despite the current geopolitical challenges in Iran due to the ongoing war.

Filipino community groups in Iran, namely: FICA, FILICLUB, FLAG, PIFC and UFIA showcased cultural performances, such as the Lawiswis folk dance, Itik‑Itik dance, interpretative rendition of Bayan Ko, and a dance drama presentation of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom leading up to the country’s independence.

Ambassador Manalo thanked everyone for participating in this year's celebration, noting that this long‑awaited gathering reminded all of the importance of freedom, unity and the bayanihan spirit.

The event concluded with a modest feast of Filipino dishes such as puto, empanada and lechon manok.