The Dimalanta family has been calling Singapore home for a long time since coming here from the Philippines, but on Saturday (August 31) when they became nationals they brought their dedication to a fresh level.
Mr Alvin Paras Dimalanta, 45, his spouse and two kids, aged 15 and 19, took the domestic promise, sang the hymn and got their purple identification cards.
Mr Dimalanta, who is regional IT system operations head here at a Dutch bank, said: “There’s a different meaning now that someone you don’t understand calls you’ uncle’ or’ auntie.’
“This is a fresh chapter and we have created a decision and engagement to render Singapore our today and tomorrow as well.”
One important Singaporean characteristic has been strongly adopted by the community–they are enthusiastic about meals, including local favourites such as omelette shells and laksa.
MrDimalanta and 42-year-old daughter Michelle Anne went here 20 years earlier and in 2005 became continuous inhabitants.
Since nursery, their kids–Anne and Allen–have been studying here.
Daughter Anne, a graduate of the Singapore Institute of Technology, said: “It’s distinct for my family since they were raised in the Philippines, but it feels more natural for both of us kids since we grew up here (to become citizens).”
They were among 149 individuals who obtained Saturday’s annual National Citizenship Ceremony citizenship certificates from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
In the Bicentennial year of Singapore, when the nation is reflecting on its past and what it implies to be Singaporean, PM Lee said it was particularly important for them to obtain citizenship.
“All our ancestors, like you, originated from faraway lands. Finally, as you have, they made the same fateful choice to bury origins here and create Singapore their home, “he observed.
PM Lee informed the ITE College Central meeting in Ang Mo Kio that it was a profound private undertaking to take up citizenship.
He cited the first foreign minister of Singapore, S Rajaratnam, stating: “Being a Singaporean is not an ancestral question.
PM Lee added: “In reality, many of you have already become very Singaporean in the core. You’ve all resided, worked, or studied here for years, and even began your family here in some instances.”
He said the fresh people were incorporated into Singapore society, adjusted to their culture, and learned how to get along with neighbours, classmates, peers, and friends.
They put here their experiences, abilities, views and beliefs at the same moment.