15 September 2016— Philippine Ambassador to Australia Minda Calaguian-Cruz undertook her first Official Visit to New South Wales on August 23 to 24. The introductory visit focused on enhancing economic relations between the Philippines and New South Wales and broadening forms of cooperation as the Philippines and Australia mark the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The Ambassador was accompanied by Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Nicole de Castro, Philippine Labor Attaché Rodolfo Sabulao and Philippine Trade and Investment Representative Kenneth Yap.
New South Wales is home to the largest Filipino-Australian community in Australia. Filipino migrants excel in their profession, trades, and crafts and make significant contributions to New South Wales.
During all her calls, Ambassador Cruz shared important political and economic developments in the Philippines including the Philippines’ sustained economic growth and competitive edge in information technology and business process management, among other industries, combined with a young population, highly skilled workforce and creative talent.
The Ambassador said it is an opportune time to enhance relations between the Philippines and Australia especially as we mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia and the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership in November 2015.
Ambassador Calaguian-Cruz met with H.E. General David Hurley AC DSC (Ret.), Governor of New South Wales, Chief Justice Thomas Frederick Bathurst, Hon. John Ajaka MLC, Minister for Ageing, Disability Services and Multiculturalism, Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Ms. Prue Car MP, representing the State Opposition, Hon. Don Harwin, President of the NSW Legislative Council, and Ms. Susan Calvert, Executive Director, International Branch, Department of Premier and Cabinet.
During the calls, officials of New South Wales said Filipinos are known to be hardworking, talented and always carry the spirit of volunteerism to support the Australian community at large. The officials also noted that the celebrations of the Filipino community are always festive and enjoyed by all participants. The Ambassador expressed appreciation for the hospitality of New South Wales to the Filipino community and looked forward to enhancing cooperation between the Philippines and New South Wales. The Ambassador also took the opportunity to encourage more Australian investments and trade with the Philippines which would be initiated through business missions to the Philippines.
During her meeting with the Lowy Institute for International Policy in Sydney, Ambassador Calaguian-Cruz discussed contemporary international and regional issues with Dr. Jiyoung Song, Director, Migration and Border Policy Project, Mr. Aaron Connelly, Research Fellow, East Asia Program and Mr. Herve Lemahieu. The Ambassador also provided an overview of Philippines-Australia relations.
Ambassador Calaguian-Cruz also visited the headquarters of SBS, a multilingual and multicultural radio and television service which caters to Australia’s cultural diversity. SBS Radio includes “Radio Filipino” which is an important vehicle in disseminating information to the Filipino community as well as in promoting understanding and appreciation of Filipino culture, history and arts through entertainment programs. In her message to fellow Filipinos during an interview by Mr. Ronald Manila, the Ambassador enjoined them to share the very best of Filipino heritage and culture in Australia and to support friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries.
Ambassador Calaguian-Cruz met with Dr. Elisabeth Kramer, Deputy Director of the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC) of the University of Sydney, as well as other academics including Filipino experts Dr. Giselle Manalo, Dr. Sandra Seno-Alday, and Mr. Esmond Esguerra. The Ambassador said she looks forward to working with SSEAC particularly in the areas of health, international relations, and business.
The Ambassador’s visit explored new opportunities for economic and socio-cultural cooperation between New South Wales and the Philippines and highlighted the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia. END
