10 October 2016 – Nine university students participating in the National Capital Model United Nations (NCMUN) Conference visited the Philippine Embassy in Canberra on September 30 and learned about Philippine foreign policy and life as a Filipino diplomat. Minister and Consul General Nina P. Cainglet welcomed the students.
As part of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Australia this year, Minister and Consul General Cainglet briefed the students on the strong, steadfast and enduring friendship between the two countries.
The students learned about the historic people-to-people linkages between the Philippines and Australia beginning in the 1860s with the arrival of Filipinos as pearl divers in Australia and the multi-faceted bilateral relations elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership enjoyed by both countries today.
Ms. Maria Emelita Jose representing the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) shared the best practices of the Philippines in protecting the interests and welfare of Filipinos overseas in countries which are compliant with international standards on labor migration. The Philippine Embassy shared the importance of Assistance to Nationals as one of the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy.
Third Secretary and Vice Consul Nicole de Castro shared the Philippine policy on the West Philippine Sea focusing on the ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal and the Philippines' engagement with stakeholders to uphold the rule of law in the South China Sea.
The visit was capped with an opportunity for the students to raise questions on Philippine foreign policy and learn about the day-to-day activities of a diplomat.
This visit is a component of the Philippine Embassy’s Adopt-A-School program. The Adopt-A-School project is an initiative of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra to promote awareness of the Philippines, as well as the friendship between the Philippines and Australia, among the youth of Australia. END
