FERDINAND ROMUALDEZ MARCOS JR.
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
ENRIQUE A. MANALO
SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
JAIME VICTOR B. LEDDA
AMBASSADOR
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PHILIPPINES KICKS OFF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF PH-EU RELATIONS
Brussels, 13 December 2023 - The Philippine Embassy in Brussels kicked off the year-long commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of Bilateral Relations between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) with a parol lighting ceremony at the Embassy Chancery.
Philippine Ambassador to the EU Jaime Victor B. Ledda and Head of Division for Asia Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Ms. Leila Fernandez-Stembridge jointly lit parols to mark the commemoration of 60 years of partnership and to light the way for years of partnership to come.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ledda recalled the six (6) decades of deepening relations and interactions and highlighted the recent visits of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Manila in December 2022 and July 2023, respectively. “These visits gave us opportunities to affirm, at the highest levels, our commitment to taking this partnership further,” he said.
Ms. Fernandez-Stembridge echoed Ambassador Ledda saying that the PH-EU partnership “has laid the foundation for a prosperous and harmonious collaboration”. She expressed hope that 2024 may be a “time of reflection but also a call for action” to build “an even stronger and more resilient partnership”.
The parol lighting ceremony was attended by guests from the EU institutions, EU member states, and ASEAN embassies. The parols were donated to the Embassy by San Fernando City Mayor Vilma B. Caluag and the Tourism Office of San Fernando, Pampanga. The event was organized with the support of the Office of Senator Loren B. Legarda.
Read more: PHILIPPINES KICKS OFF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF PH-EU RELATIONS
Embassy holds activities for End VAW Campaign
The Philippine Embassy in Brussels held and participated in activities with the Filipino community to celebrate the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.
On 18 November 2023, the Embassy and the Migrant Workers’ Office (MWO) in Berlin, in cooperation with the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Luxembourg and members of Women Helping Women (WHW) – Luxembourg, conducted a Forum for Nannies and Au Pairs at the EY Auditorium in Kirchberg, Luxembourg. Vice Consul Ma. Filonila Alcaraz-Arguelles and MWO–Berlin Officer-in-Charge Delia Palomar provided information on the the rights and responsibilities of au pairs and nannies in Luxembourg, as well as the Philippine and Luxembourgish government processes they need to comply with to be able to work legally. They also gave advice on what to do in case the nannies and au pairs become victims of violence. In turn, the participants shared with one another their experiences, particularly as former au pairs who eventually became nannies or long-term residents. The forum also served as a venue for au pairs and nannies to get to know members of the WHW – Luxembourg.
On 02 December 2023, the Embassy and members of WHW – Belgium held Move Your Body: Movement Interpretation and Arnis for Beginners at the Salle de Kring in Merksem, Antwerp. The participants actively joined arnis and movement interpretation activities taught by two members of WHW – Belgium, Ms. Suzette Villanueva and Ms. Mylene Factora. Honorary Consul General for Flanders Ronny de Blaere was also present to give advice on what victims of domestic violence should do and how to help them.
PH Embassy in Brussels Holds Forum for Au Pairs and Nannies in Luxembourg
The Philippine Embassy in Brussels, Belgium and the Migrant Workers’ Office (MWO) in Berlin, in cooperation with the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Luxembourg and members of Women Helping Women (WHW) – Luxembourg, conducted a Forum for Nannies and Au Pairs on Saturday, 18 November 2023, at the EY Auditorium in Kirchberg, Luxembourg.
The forum was held in anticipation of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women to increase awareness and knowledge among women clients on their rights in Luxembourg and on other gender-related issues they may encounter such as violence against women.
3RD PH-EU SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING ON GOOD GOVERNANCE, RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS TAKES PLACE IN BRUSSELS
The third Philippines - European Union Subcommittee Meeting on Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights took place in Brussels on 26 October 2023. Photos © EEAS
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