STUDYING overseas did not stop PNG students in the Philippines from celebrating the 38th Independence Day, it has made them more dedicated in expressing their love and honour for their country despite the distance.
On Sept 15, PNG students gathered in celebration for the Independence anniversary. Regardless of where they were, they were ready to show their patriotism through a gathering that they had prepared for. “It was my first time to celebrate my country’s Independence Day in a foreign country. It was different because there wasn’t any traditional dancing or singing” Alexander Lee, a 1st-year bachelor of science in electrical engineering in the University of San Carlos, said. “But the PNG foods really made me feel at home.” The celebration turned to be heart-warming after the singing of the national anthem and pledge, which they had not done since they came to the Philippines to study. “It has been tough for us to be far from home, but after celebrating the independence, we became stronger and determined to finish what we have started here. This is all for our nation,” Elizah Norman, a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering student, said. It was not just a mere celebration for the students, but a gathering that had made them draw strength from each other. The students did the traditional face paints and wore their PNG clothing. The highlight of the celebration was a dance presentation from Bougainville students. “We maybe far from home, but we have brothers and sisters here. The spirit of being a Papua New Guinean remains and it was very heartfelt during the celebration,” Madlyne Kutkut, who is studying bachelor of science in business administration in the University of Cebu, said. “Besides all the homesickness, the biggest thing about being away from home is responsibility. We all need to learn how to live on our own, and college is the best time to start learning. “Although I miss home terribly and everything about PNG, I am learning to stand on my own and make Papua New Guinea proud. We are its future. Happy Independence to everyone back home.” The students ended the day happy knowing that they had become part of a family miles from home Comments are closed.
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