Denmark celebrates 167th Constitution Day
The walls of Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros came alive with the sound of clinking glasses as guests from the Philippine government, diplomatic and consular corps, business community and Danish friends gathered for the Constitution Day of Denmark on June 6.
Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen together with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis and Second Councilor of the Embassy of the Holy See Msgr. Kryspin Dubiel hosted the event to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Danish Constitution in 1849, which has served as the steadfast and strong foundation for Denmark’s reputation as a proud democratic and humane state.
“Democracy means adhering to the accepted principles such as good governance, rule of law, transparency, due process of the law, freedom of expression, full respect for human rights, gender and equality, which is a shared value with the Philippines,” Ambassador Christensen said in his opening remarks.
Aside from this historic occasion, the Embassy of Denmark also celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the bilateral relations between Denmark and the Philippines. Denmark was one of the first countries that recognized the Philippine Republic in 1946. But the historic relations between the two countries go much further back.
“We have documentation of Danes coming to the country already in the 17th century. I would also like to highlight that Jose Rizal, National Hero of the Philippines, established special link to Denmark by translating in 1886 while he was in Germany, five fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen into Tagalog,” Ambassador Christensen noted. “We’re right now working with Anvil Publishing to having beautiful books printed later this year with fairytales in Tagalog and English,” the Ambassador added.
During his speech, Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen also noted that Denmark is one of the leading countries in Europe advocating universal respect, protection, and fulfillment of human rights. It is particularly a champion of the right not to be tortured as provided by the Convention against Torture.
“Denmark adheres again and again the top of international comparisons. We are the least corrupt country in the world. We are the top level when it comes to ease of doing business and Denmark comes out as a country with the best balance with work and family life,” Ambassador Christensen beamed and ending it with a famous chant: “We are red. We are white. We are Danish dynamite.”
Expat extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to the government and people of the Kingdom of Denmark. Cheers!