The Philippine Embassy in Berne convened a meeting with Filipino Community leaders in Switzerland on 20 August 2016. The event was attended by more than eighty-five (85) people from across Switzerland.
The meeting provided briefing on policies and regulations that affect overseas Filipino such as implementation of the new Philippine ePassport system, balikbayan privileges and visas for foreign spouses of Filipino nationals planning to eventually relocate to the Philippines, among others.
Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein requested the leaders to update their registration data at the Embassy and reminded them of their responsibilities. “As leaders, you are the Embassy’s focal points in your respective communities, and as such, we expect you to regularly brief your constituents on information conveyed by the Embassy,” said Ambassador Jimeno.
“We also trust that you will be our first responders to Filipinos in distress in your areas if we cannot immediately assist them”, added the Ambassador.
Ambassador Jimeno speaks before the Filipino community leaders in Switzerland
The Embassy also briefed the participants on its planned activities for the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Philippine-Swiss Diplomatic Relations in 2017, which include, among others, an art exhibit of Swiss-based Filipino artists, film screening, concert by a Filipino jazz band and Philippine Fair.
Ambassador Jimeno solicited inputs on how to make the events more meaningful. He stressed that the celebratory activities will be a partnership between the Embassy and the Filipino community, and urged the leaders to take ownership of organizing events in selected cantons in Switzerland such as Zurich, Basel and Geneva.
The briefing was followed by an open forum during which the leaders took the opportunity to share information on activities of their respective organizations and at the same time clarify some issues concerning the celebratory activities.
Before the meeting, St. Gallen based artist Norlando B. Pobre turned over a painting of Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte to the Embassy. According to Mr. Pobre, he was inspired to make a portrait of President Duterte when the latter won in the Philippine National Elections in May of this year. The painting is now displayed at the Embassy’s Official Receiving Room where portraits of Philippine heroes such as Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini are displayed.
Amb. Jimeno receives the donation of Mr. Norlando Pobre – a portrait of Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte
A reception concluded the event. END.
