Independence Day of Albania
Today is the National Day of Albania commemorating its proclamation of independence from the Ottoman Empire on the same day in 1912. The celebration is also called “Flag Day” (Dita e Flamurit) because it coincides with the day in 1443 when the Albanian flag was raised in Viora as well as Kruje, in defiance to the Turkish rule in Albania. The highlights of the celebration is the raising of the Albanian flag in Tirana, the country’s capital. It is attended by the President and other key government officials. They also pay tribute to its martyrs by visiting the national martyrs’ cemetery. Concerts featuring famous Albanian singers and dancers are staged in the country’s capital.
The Republic of Albania is a country in southern Europe. It is located in the western part of the
Balkan Peninsula on the Strait of Otranto, the southern entrance to the Adriatic Sea. It is bounded on the northwest by Montenegro, on the northeast by Kosovo, on the east by North Macedonia, on the southeast and south by Greece, and on the west and southwest by Adriatic and Ionian seas, respectively.
Agriculture dominates the economy and employs about half of the workforce, but services and tourism are increasingly important thanks to its stunning scenery, interesting historic sites, and welcoming people. It is home to 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites, namely, Burtint, the Historic Berat and Gjirokastra, the Durres Amphitheater, and the Royal Tombs of Selca. It has numerous castles and forts, and stunning beaches and waterfalls.
There are a few number of Filipinos who worked in Albania as household service workers, caregivers, masseuse and cooks.
There are also missionaries and those working as private staff of foreign diplomats. The Philippines has a Consulate in Tirana and Albania has a Consulate in Manila.
Albania is a member of various regional and international organizations. Some of which are the United Nations, the World Trade Organizations, Council of Europe, International Atomic Energy Agency, Organization of the Islamic Conference, and Black Sea Economic Cooperation Zone.
We greet the people and government of the Republic of Albania led by President Ilir Meta and Prime Minister Edi Rama, on the occasion of its National Day.