99th anniversary of the foundation of the independent Czechoslovak State

THE state of Czechoslovakia was established on October 28, 1918 after it declared independence from the AustroHungarian Empire following World War I. Czechoslovak independence was proclaimed in Prague’s Wenceslas Square. The president of the First Republic was Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk who was the leader of the nationalist movement outside the Austro-Hungarian Empire. On January 1, 1993, however, this multi-ethnic nation peacefully split into two countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

October 28 is the National Day of the Czech Republic. On this day, it is customary for the president of the country, with key officials of the government, to pay tribute by placing flowers on the tomb of the late President Masaryk. In the evening, the Czech president presents honors and awards to selected leaders of the country for their outstanding cultural and social contribution.

The Czech Republic shares land borders with Poland, Slovakia, Germany, Austria. Its capital and largest city is Prague, which is fondly referred to as “the Golden City,” “the City of Hundred Spires,” and the “Crown of the World” because of its captivating natural scenery and hills that are lined with castles, among other spectacular features.

Czech-Philippines relation is said to date to the days of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who visited his good friend Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt in 1887 in the city of Litomerice which travel advisors today regard as among the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic. Formal bilateral relations between the two countries started in 1973. During the visit of Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg to the Philippines in March, 2012, he reaffirmed that friendship between the two countries and reiterated his country’s commitment to continue working together to further enhance the multiple facets of cooperation with the Philippines.

In June 2017, the famous Santo Niño de Cebu, an icon of Filipino Christian spirituality was enthroned at the St. Thomas Church at Josefská 8, Malá Strana, Prague, Czech Republic on the occasion of the Filipinská Fiesta in celebration of the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence. The first Filipino mass in celebration of Philippine Independence Day was also held in that Church. The Philippines has an embassy in Prague and a consulate general office in Brno, while the Czech Republic has an embassy in Makati City and a consulate office in Davao City and Cebu City.

We greet the people and government of Czechoslovakia, led by Miloš Zeman on the occasion of its 99th Founding Anniversary.