21 November 2017 – The Italian-speaking Canton of Ticino rounded off the cantonal celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Switzerland
The celebration in Ticino kicked off with the participation of Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Joselito A. Jimeno at the 7th World Forum for Peace held at Villa Sassa Hotel on 18 November. The forum was particularly dedicated to peace and the Philippines and aimed to raise funds for a charity project in the country. The forum was followed by a vernissage for an art exhibition, also at Villa Sassa, featuring the work of three Filipino women artists in Switzerland – Pamela Gotangco, Marissa Gonzalez, and Tina Heiter. A gala dinner was held on the same day. It was attended by representatives from the business community, media, academe and locals from Ticino and neighboring Italian cities.
Photos (T-B) 7th World Forum for Peace held at Villa Sassa Hotel; Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno
poses with the three Filipino women artists
In his message, Ambassador Jimeno traced the evolution of Philippine-Swiss relations beginning the 19th century up to the present, highlighting the two countries’ partnership in the areas of peace process, human security, and development cooperation.
The cantonal celebration in Ticino rounded off with a lecture on Philippine history, culture and identity by noted Philippine historian Prof. Dr. Ricardo Jose at the University of Franklin in Sorengo, Lugano.
Professor Dr. Ricardo Jose giving his lecture at Franklin University in Lugano
The celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Philippines-Switzerland diplomatic relations in canton Ticino was made possible through the Philippine Embassy, Berne’s partnership with the Culture Ticino Network, Villa Sassa, and Franklin University. END
