96TH National day of Estonia
The Republic of Estonia celebrates today its 96th National Day. Like the Philippines, Estonia has two events in its history when it gained freedom and democracy. First was on 24 February1918 upon the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty and second was on 20 August 1991 when Estonia, through a signing revolution similar to the 1986 EDSA Revolution here in the Philippines, restored its independence from 50 years of Soviet occupation.
Today, Estonia prides itself to be a new model of economic growth, national stability, and an emerging presence in international cooperation.
Estonia is one of the fastest-recovering countries after the European economic crisis of 2010. On 1 January 2011, Estonia became the 17th country to adapt the Euro as its national currency, and it has continuously sustained economic growth since then.
Highlighting its leadership in innovation and development, Estonia was cited as Number 1 in the Top7 Intelligent Communities of 2013 by the Intelligent Community Forum. Estonia has topped the list of countries that used information and communications technology to fuel economic growth while preserving its socio-cultural heritage.
In the area of international cooperation, Estonia acquired in 2010 full membership status in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Also, pursuing its role in providing international humanitarian aid to countries in distress, Estonia generously assisted the rehabilitation efforts for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines. The Estonian government provided Euros 150,000 to fund relief assistance operations in the typhoon hit areas in the Philippines. Representatives of the Estonian Rescue Board personally went to the Philippines to oversee the humanitarian aid operations in Tacloban, Leyte.
Finally, in celebrating the 96th National Day of Estonia, recognition is due to Consul General a.h. Dr. Juan N. Peña and Consul a.h. Fernando Martin O. Peña for their very able representation of the interest of the Republic of Estonia and its citizens here in the Philippines.