GOVPH

Philippines, EU Announce Resumption of Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement

Secretary for Trade and Industry Alfredo E. Pascual and EU Commission Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis announced on 18 March 2024 that the Philippines and the European Union will resume negotiations for an ambitious, modern, and balanced free trade agreement.

This announcement follows discussions between President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Manila in August 2023.

PH Embassy Holds Panel Discussion and Networking with Filipino Women in STEM

The Philippine Embassy in Brussels and Filipinos in STEM – BeNeLux co-organized a panel discussion and networking event with Filipino women in the fields of information technology, biotechnology, manufacturing, and cybersecurity.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Pablito A. Mendoza said that the Embassy, through events such as this, aims to reach out to more Filipinos in Belgium to better understand their needs and challenges, celebrate their achievements, and open opportunities for the community to touch base with one another and expand their circle of friends.

Panelists Jenalyn Aerts, Maria Johna Iguiron, Lynn Martinez-Prins and Charmaine Pavloskova, along with hosts Kit Navarro and Hope Flaviano, talked about how they kickstarted their STEM career in Belgium by seeking additional training and work experience to get into their current careers. They also candidly discussed navigating cultural differences as a Filipino in Belgium, and balancing work and family life.

During the discussion, the panel gave practical advice on such topics as how to get into STEM as a non-STEM practitioner, how to get a job in Belgium after graduating from a Belgian university, and how to get employment guidance from mentors in Belgian institutions.

The spirited panel discussion contributed to the productive networking session over merienda that followed.

Read more: PH Embassy Holds Panel Discussion and Networking with Filipino Women in STEM

Assistant Secretary Rowena Macalintal of the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) Calls on Ambassador Ledda, Discusses Inter-Country Adoption

Assistant Secretary Rowena M. Macalintal and Social Welfare Officer Irene Fagayan of the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) called on Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda and Embassy officials at the Philippine Embassy in Brussels on 13 March 2024.

The NACC officials visited Belgium for an accreditation visit to Sourires d'Enfants – Larisa (SDEL ASBL), their partner foreign adoption agency in Wallonia. They also coordinated with counterparts in the Flanders region.

During their visit to the Embassy, Assistant Secretary Macalintal and Ms. Fagayan discussed the streamlined process of inter-country adoption following the re-organization of the Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB) into the NACC. They also discussed possible activities to engage prospective adoptive parents and Filipino adoptees already in Belgium.