DFA Media Releases SECRETARY DEL ROSARIO CALLS FOR RESPECT FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW DURING 6TH FEALAC MINISTERIAL MEETING 17 June 2013 - Speaking during the ministerial retreat of the meeting of Foreign Ministers of East Asian and Latin American countries, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said there was much for the two regions to learn from each other, especially in the area of international law, in which “Latin America has a long and proud tradition.” “Latin America stands out for the fact that it is one of the regions where countries have resorted to the International Court of Justice and other third party and binding modes of peacefully settling disputes, including territorial and maritime disputes. By doing so, long-standing and difficult differences are resolved and efforts can focus on cooperation on growth and progress. Perhaps this…could be a good lesson for strengthening peace in our region.” Strengthening cooperation between East Asia and Latin America The ministerial meeting discussed the means to strengthen the cooperation between the two regions, including the report of the Vision Group, which was established to assess the situation of the 15-year forum and provide direction for its further development. “The Vision Group Paper validates the many understandings we had reached through dialogue and the large amount of work we have already done,” said the Secretary. “The paper highlights our milestones and presents a roadmap of many highways, all of which lead to greater cooperation between our two dynamic regions.” He added that the Forum for East Asia and Latin America Cooperation’s (FEALAC’s) Working Groups “have their work cut out for them. They have already done much, but more is expected.” FEALAC meets at the ministerial, senior official and working group levels. Secretary del Rosario acknowledged the work of the FEALAC Cyber Secretariat, saying that it fulfilled its role “quite well and deserves our continued support.” He also joined the wide support for the bi-regional projects being developed, namely the FEALAC University Network and the Project to Establish a Bi-Regional Development Center for SMEs. The 6th FEALAC was held in Bali, Indonesia on 13 and 14 June 2013. Twenty-four (24) Foreign Ministers and Vice Ministers from East Asia and Latin America attended the gathering, as well as envoys from these two regions. FEALAC was set up as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between East Asia and Latin America. It has 36 member countries, 16 from East Asia, including the Philippines, and 20 from Latin America. The Philippines hosted the 2nd FEALAC Foreign Ministers Meeting in 2004. END ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THAI FOREIGN MINISTER TO UNDERTAKE OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINES 17 June 2013 - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul of the Kingdom of Thailand will be in the Philippines to undertake an official visit and attend the 5th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) on June 20 to 21. Foreign Minister Surapong will meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, who paid an official visit to Thailand in April 2011. The Thai Foreign Minister will also pay a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III. Secretary del Rosario and Foreign Minister Surapong will be co-chairing the JCBC Ministerial Meeting on June 21, which will be preceded by a Senior Official’s Meeting chaired by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia and Thai Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow on June 20. Among the topics for discussion in the JCBC are technical cooperation, education, energy, law enforcement, and defense. The JCBC will also witness the signing of two agreements between the Philippines and Thailand on taxation and on the establishment of an energy forum. The JCBC is held as mutually agreed by the two countries. It was created on 24 March 1992 to facilitate consultation and cooperation between the Philippines and Thailand. END ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHILIPPINES, CHINA MEET ANEW TO ENHANCE COOPERATION 17 June 2013 - The 19th Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) convened in Beijing, China on June 14. At the 19th FMC, the delegation of both countries reaffirmed their commitment to promote and expand their bilateral relations. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia and Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin led the Philippine and Chinese delegations, respectively. The delegations discussed a wide range of issues that relate to the development of Philippines-China bilateral relations, focusing particularly on strengthening cooperation in trade and other economic areas, defense and security, socio-cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and cooperative endeavors between the two foreign ministries. They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest. On the issue of the West Philippine Sea, both sides reiterated their established positions. The senior officials also witnessed the Exchange of Instruments of Ratification of the Philippines-China Consular Agreement. The Consular Agreement clarifies procedures and defines the time frames to better protect and provide assistance to Filipino nationals in China. The foreign ministry consultations were followed by a courtesy call by the Philippine delegation, led by Undersecretary Garcia, on Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi where both sides stressed the need to promote mutual trust and to cooperate in order to achieve tangible benefits for both countries. They reiterated their commitment to work together to strengthen bilateral relations. END --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DFA UNDERSECRETARY FOR POLICY CALLS ON BELGIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY’S DIRECTOR GENERAL 17June 2013 – Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia paid a courtesy visit on Ambassador Jan Van Dessel, Director General for Bilateral Relations at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brussels on June 10. Undersecretary Garcia, who was in Brussels to head the Philippine Delegation to the 8th Philippines-European Union Senior Officials Meeting, met with Ambassador Van Dessel to reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to further strengthening its bilateral relations with Belgium, especially through the upcoming signing of the Joint Plan of Action in the Fields of Mutual Interest Between the Philippines and Belgium that is set to be held in Brussels next month. Initialled by the two sides in 2011, the Plan of Action is the first agreement of its kind to be negotiated with Belgium in the 67 years of Philippine diplomatic relations with this country. END --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHILIPPINE EMBASSY CONDUCTS 1ST EVER EMBASSY ON WHEELS IN HAFR AL-BATIN 17 June 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh extended its consular services to more Filipino nationals in Saudi Arabia recently when it conducted its 14th “Embassy on Wheels” this year in Hafr Al-Batin from June 13 to 14. The five-member consular team was led by Consul-General Marshall Louis Alferez. The mission was able to process 139 e-passport applications, three passport extensions, one “lost passport” service, and four notarial and authentication services. “We were very happy to serve the Filipino community in Hafr Al-Batin and nearby areas, who told us that it was the first-ever consular mission made in the city for decades. The Embassy is aware that there are outlying cities in Saudi Arabia that have sizeable concentrations of Filipinos – such as in Hafr Al-Batin – and we hope to be able to visit them and provide them with much-needed consular services”, said Consul-General Alferez. The consular team was also joined by the Embassy’s Labor Office, led by Labor Attaché Adam Musa and Welfare Officer Sam Madrid. The labor team provided advice to Filipino workers and offered services for the processing of Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC). Located in the northeastern part of the Kingdom and some 480 kilometers from Riyadh and even nearer to Saudi Arabia’s border with Iraq and Kuwait, Hafr Al-Batin is a small city home to about 1,000 Filipinos who are mostly dentists, nurses and construction and building maintenance workers. The next “Embassy on Wheels” will be in Al Khobar, Eastern Region, on June 27 to 28 at the Al Jazeera International School in Dammam. END ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHILIPPINE EMBASSY HOSTS PARTICIPANTS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING FOR OFFICIALS (ELTO) PROGRAMME IN WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND 17 June 2013 - The Embassy of the Philippines hosted six (6) members of the English Language Training for Officials (ELTO) Programme for ASEAN Missions from Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) on June 05 for an informal roundtable discussion on Philippine developments and diplomacy in general. Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez and Consul Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa welcomed Ms. Ohn Mar Oo and Ms. Phyo Sandy Lynn from Myanmar, Mr. Dang Minh Dang Khoa from Vietnam, Mr. Yours Symakara from Cambodia and Mr. Flaviano de Rosa Freitas and Ms. Fitriana dos Santos Gomes from Timor-Leste to the Embassy. They were accompanied by Dr. Alastair Kerr, Senior English Language Institute Teacher from VUW’s School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies. The ELTO Programme brings government officials from developing countries in Asia to New Zealand for English language training. The programme of study is for seven weeks at either Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology or Eastern Institute of Technology and thirteen weeks at the English Language Institute at Victoria University of Wellington. The ELTO Programme, operating since 1992 is funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme, within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. To date, nearly 800 officials have successfully participated in the programme. As part of the ELTO Programme, the ASEAN Committee in Wellington (ACW), composed of ASEAN Heads of Diplomatic Missions meets and interacts with young ASEAN leaders in the field of diplomacy. It underpins the importance of youth in nation-building and provides a venue for the program participants to discuss common interests or concerns. It is also a good platform for ASEAN Ambassadors and High Commissioners to share their knowledge on national, regional and global issues affecting our region. This was the second time that the Philippine Embassy has participated in meeting and interacting with ELTO participants. Discussions focused on the Philippines’ relations with New Zealand. Participants were also very interested in learning what it takes to become an Ambassador. Ambassador Benavidez readily shared her first-hand knowledge on the matter and provided invaluable advice on the right path to take in entering the Foreign Service. She was happy to encourage the participants to forge their way into the diplomatic world stating that “the youth is the future of a country and the hope of a nation and, as such, should be supported and inspired to enter into service for one’s country. After all, diplomacy is a nation’s first line of defence and diplomats are in the front lines promoting and protecting the interests of the countries they represent and serving their people and looking after their welfare and well-being.” Ambassador Benavidez participated in the ASEAN Panel for the discussion of “Governance in ASEAN” organized by the Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) for the ELTO Programme on 29 November 2012. In her presentation during the Panel discussion, Ambassador Benavidez highlighted the reform agenda of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the Philippine government resolutely pursuing the straight and righteous path to restore the culture of honesty, integrity and hard work and contribute to inclusive growth, sustained development and community driven progress. She also stated that in ASEAN, the Philippines is deeply and actively involved in good governance issues, initiatives and imperatives as part of its mission and vision to contribute to the realisation of the ASEAN Community by 31 December 2015. END --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PAG-IBIG FUND SERVICE DESK INAUGURATED IN OMAN 17 June 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Muscat informed the Department of Foreign Affairs that Pag-IBIG Fund President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe, led a delegation to the Sultanate of Oman for the formal opening of the Pag-IBIG Fund Service Desk. The inauguration of the Pag-IBIG desk was the highlight of the morning celebration of the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12. The service desk located at the offices of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office/Overseas Workers Welfare Administration was formally inaugurated by Philippine Ambassador to Oman Joselito A. Jimeno and Atty. Berberabe. In her remarks, Atty. Berberabe noted that the opening of a Service Desk in the Sultanate is Pag-IBIG Fund’s Independence Day gift to all the Filipinos in Oman. On June 14, the Pag-IBIG delegation, in partnership with the Embassy successfully conducted a Pag-IBIG Fund Community Forum at the Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi. It was attended by more than 200 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and was viewed live via online streaming by different Filipino community groups in the far areas of Shinaz, Sohar, Duqm and Salalah. END --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHL AMBASSADOR TO UAE PARTICIPATES IN 5TH ANNUAL WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP (WIL) FORUM MIDDLE EAST 17 June 2013 - Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Grace Relucio Princesa participated in the 5th Annual Women in Leadership (WIL) Forum in the Middle East and Africa from May 29 to 30 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dubai, UAE. Hosted by WIL Forum Middle East & Africa, under the patronage of H.E. Maryam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE’s Minister of Social Affairs, the two day event was attended by the most influential businesswomen, entrepreneurs and women leaders from the region. This year’s theme for the 5th Annual WIL Forum revolved around two issues, mainly on how women’s leadership can boost profit and achieve unprecedented growth, including the challenges and resolves involved in ‘soft’ leaderships. The two-day event also featured interactive panel discussions and sessions as well as an extensive opportunity for the Ambassador to meet the region’s women ‘movers and shakers’ in the field of business and governance. Also, as part of the Embassy’s economic diplomacy activities, Ambassador Princesa attended a Breakfast Presentation hosted by Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC) entitled Rising Stars: Developing Millenial Women as Leaders on May 02 at the Eastern Mangrove Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Both events presented the host country’s best practices in women leadership, gender equality, and participatory governance in the UAE. END ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHL EMBASSY IN KUWAIT CELEBRATES 115th PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY 17 June 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait started the celebrations of the 115th Anniversary of Philippine Independence with a flag raising ceremony together with the personnel of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Pag-IBIG Fund, Social Security System (SSS) and some members of the media and Filipino community in Kuwait on June 12. The program includes the reading of the Independence Day messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario. The ceremony was followed by a breakfast hosted by Pag-IBIG Fund’s representative in Kuwait, Mr. Mahmoud Khalil. A diplomatic reception was held in the evening of June 12 at the Crowne Plaza in Farwaniya, Kuwait. The guest of honor was Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asia Department Director Mohammed Al Roumi. Members of the diplomatic corps, government officials and leaders of the Filipino community graced the occasion. The significance of this year’s Independence Day theme, Ambagan tungo sa malawakang kaunlaran, was exhibited during the event as the embassy, attached agencies and Filipino communities shared their part during the momentous occasion. Filipino cultural production through dances and songs performed by members of Filipino community were showcased, promotion of Philippine tourism by distribution of brochures provided by the Department of Tourism’s Middle East Office, BizGate Marketing and displaying ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ sights during the event. Prior to the June 12 event, Filipino organizations/community in Kuwait in partnership with the Embassy, POLO-OWWA, SSS and the Pag-IBIG Fund celebrated the Migrants Workers Day with a parade followed by cultural performances from various Filipino organizations and variety shows from the Philippine schools - New Kuwait Philippines International School (NKPIS) and Philippine International English School (PIES). END ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PHL EMBASSY, FILIPINO COMMUNITY CELEBRATE 115TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY IN LEBANON 17 June 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Beirut, together with the attached agencies of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), celebrated the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the officers and members of the different Filipino community groups in Lebanon on June 09 at the Embassy’s new function hall in Hadath, Baabda, Mount Lebanon. The event started with the singing of the Philippine national anthem led by Mrs. Mel Mancenido, followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag led by Mr. Edwin Batallones. In her brief remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz highlighted the theme of the 2013 Independence Day commemoration, “Ambagan tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran,” and then read the Independence Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Vice Consul Dennis John Briones read the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario while the new Labor Attaché Bulyok Nilong read the message of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz. After the short program, everyone partook of a simple traditional breakfast salu-salo consisting of pan de sal with corned beef, pancit, coffee and juice. At least 80 Filipino community leaders and members attended the morning event. END ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHL CONSULATE GENERAL IN GUANGZHOU CELEBRATES 115th ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE 17 June 2013 - The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou celebrated the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the theme, “Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran,” with a dinner reception on June 09 at the Pearl Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Guangzhou City Centre. Consul General Raly L. Tejada led the officers and staff of the Consulate in welcoming the leaders and officers of the different Filipino community organizations in Guangdong and Hainan provinces. The reception started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by an opening prayer led by Mr. Radell Butas of the Couples for Christ in Guangzhou. Consul General Tejada read the Independence Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III to all Filipinos in all parts of the world. Vice Consul Judy Barbara G. Robianes, on the other hand, read the Independence Day message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario. The Consul General delivered his National Day Statement after the reading of the messages. He expressed his confidence that Filipinos will continue to do their part in contributing to the progress of our country. The Consul General called on the Filipinos present to continue to excel in their chosen fields, and project a positive image of Filipinos in their host countries. Filipino community organizations under the Consulate’s jurisdiction also gave performances during the program. Among the performers were D’ Generations representing the Filipino Teachers’ Association, Mr. Alex Ranay of Couples for Christ, and the Filipino students of Jinan University-Guangzhou. Officers and representatives of various organizations were also called on stage for a group photo with the Consul General. Among the Filipino organizations represented during the event were Filipino Community in Guangzhou, Filipino in Footwear Industry, Filipino Teachers’ Association, Guangzhou Filipino Students Union, Fil Music, Fil-Kam (Photography enthusiasts), Brgy. China, Couples for Christ-Guangzhou, Sarap Buhay Group, and the Filipino community in Dongguan. Guests were entertained by a couple who came all the way from Sanya City, Hainan Province, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Castañeda of Sarap Buhay Group, with their rendition of Original Pinoy Music hits. The event concluded with the singing of “Pinoy Ako” as the SBG band invited the guests to dance and sing with them. END ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN LOS ANGELES SPEARHEADS KALAYAAN 2013 PARADE, FESTIVAL AT HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN 17 June 2013 – The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles spearheaded the Filipino community festival and parade commemorating the 115th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 08 at the Historic Filipinotown followed by a day-long official, cultural and pop entertainment program at the grounds of the Silver Lake Medical Center in Los Angeles. The Consulate launched the celebration by leading a three-mile long parade along Temple Street from Union to Dillon Street and back. Over 1,500 participants were estimated to have joined the parade, according to local police authorities. The Kalayaan 2013 theme aimed to foster faith and family through the spirit of Bayanihan. It was participated in by various Filipino-American organizations ranging from civic to youth, business service and religious groups. The Tribu Panayanon Dinagyang Dance Group from the City of Iloilo, the Grand Winner of the 11th Aliwan Fiesta dubbed as the mother of all fiesta’s, regaled the crowd with their world class “Mardi Gras” type of presentation during the parade and the program to the delight of the audience and mainstream spectators. The Kalayaan 2013 festivities were declared a success by all organizations and media groups. END
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:50:17 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015