The Filipino Community in Zürich, spearheaded by the Filipino Leaders Club, in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy, celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Switzerland through a festivity held on Sunday, 24 September 2017.
The Officers and Staff of the Philippine Embassy Berne with the members of the Filipino community in Zurich during the parade of banners
The long day event was participated in by Filipinos and friends of the Philippines from Zurich and neighboring cantons of Switzerland, including Basel, Lucerne, Aargau, Solothurn, and St. Gallen. Performances, including modern renditions of traditional dances and a showcase Filipiniana costumes, enlivened the event.
Zurich was chosen to be one of the host cantons of the anniversary celebrations because it is home to biggest number of Filipinos in Switzerland outside of Geneva, many of whom are working in multinational companies such as Accenture, Credit Suisse, UBS, Zürich Insurance Group, and others. As Switzerland’s financial, commercial and scientific capital, it is a natural destination to many of Filipino professionals, including IT engineers, financial workers, nurses, those pursuing graduate studies, and many others.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland, H.E Joselito A. Jimeno, noted the long-standing good relations between the Philippines and Switzerland which goes back to the 1800s when Swiss traders ventured in Southeast Asia. He noted the establishment of the Swiss consulate in Manila in 1862, Switzerland’s first in Asia; and the influence Switzerland had on Philippine national hero’s, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, ideas which in turn inspired the Philippine Revolution of 1896.
Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno delivering his speech
The Ambassador also called on Filipinos to register with the Embassy to facilitate locating and assessing their status if and when emergency strikes. He likewise informed Filipinos present about the extension of the validity of Philippine passports from five (5) to ten (10) years, which is to be implemented soon.
Ambassador Jimeno poses with the officers of the Filipino Leaders Club of Switzerland
The festivity is fourth of a series of commemorative activities that the Philippine Embassy in Berne is undertaking with the Filipino Community in major cantons in Switzerland. The three previous festivities were held separately in Geneva, Berne, and Basel. Two more events will be held in St. Gallen and Ticino in November in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations. END
