6 February 2012- The Philippine Embassy in Athens held its first planning session with the Philippine Honorary Consuls (PHC) on February 01 at the Embassy to map out their work programs for 2012.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Meynardo L. Montealegre said that the planning exercise, focusing on the economic diplomacy program, is in response to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario's call for a reinvigorated foreign service that is not merely responsive to the needs of the more than 8 million Filipinos overseas, but one that proactively prepares for the challenges of the future.A presentation, focusing on the priorities of the Aquino administration and of the Department of Foreign Affairs, including the President's Social Contract, the Philippine Development Plan for 2011 to 2016, the concept of inclusive growth, and the three pillars of foreign policy, were provided to the PHCs.
The planning session was attended by Philippine Honorary Consul in Thessaloniki Nikolaos Margaropoulos, Philippine Honorary Consul in Patras Anastasia Manolopoulou, and Philippine Honorary Consul in Crete Alexandrous Fasoulakis. Philippine Honorary Consul in Nicosia, Cyprus Shemaine A. Kyriakides participated via wireless phone patch.
All PHCs presented their proposed program for 2012, and expressed their full support for the economic diplomacy thrusts of the Department through increased trade representation, enhanced coordination with their respective Chambers of Commerce and promotion of Philippine and Greek trade fairs and exhibitions.
They committed themselves to promoting the history, art and culture of the Philippines by arranging Filipino cultural performances and food festivals, and through enhanced engagement with the Filipino community in their respective areas.
The PHCs thanked the Embassy for the initiative to hold the planning session. They also assured the Embassy that they are ready to assist distressed Filipinos and to make representations with local officials to ensure the well-being of Filipinos in their jurisdiction. END
