St. Gallen, 11 November 2017 – Filipinos and Swiss in Canton St. Gallen gathered together in a gala dinner to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Switzerland. About 300 people attended the event, some coming all the way from neighboring countries of Liechtenstein, Austria and Germany.
Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno delivers his message to the members of the Filipino community in St. Gallen and Swiss guests.
Tracing the connection between the Philippines and Switzerland through St. Gallen, Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno explained, “The Philippines had its earliest links to Switzerland through St. Gallen. Vicente Tuason, the first recorded Filipino to become Swiss citizen, was a resident of Wil, St. Gallen. His son, also named Vicente, became an advisor to the Swiss delegation to the 1964 UPU Congress in Vienna and later an alternate head of the Swiss delegation to the 1969 UPU Congress in Tokyo. St. Gallen was also home some of the early Swiss migrants and a source of linens exported to the Philippines.”
He mentioned ongoing cooperation between the Philippines and Switzerland both in the political and economic spheres, as well as the thriving people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
“The 12,000-strong Filipino diaspora community across Switzerland and the more than 4,000 Swiss nationals residing in the Philippines are testaments to the vibrant people-to-people relations between our two countries,” added Ambassador Jimeno.
The cultural program featured performances showcasing talents of both first and second-generation Filipinos living in Switzerland.
Musical Performance by Joshua Uhland (Violin) and David Uhland (Piano)
Photos: Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno with the members of the organizing committee (L) Samahang Pilipino-Swiss St. Gallen; (R) European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) Switzerland.
The celebration in St. Gallen, spearheaded by the Samahang Pilipino-Swiss St. Gallen and European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD)-Switzerland, was the fifth cantonal celebration for the 60th Anniversary of Philippines-Switzerland diplomatic relations. Earlier, celebrations were held in the cantons Geneva, Berne, Basel and Zürich. Ticino will wrap up the year-long cantonal celebrations of the anniversary. END
