28 October 2016 — The members of the Philippine delegation to the 2016 Australian Political Exchange Council (AUSPOL) Program visited the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney and were briefed by Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis on the functions and activities of the Consulate General and on the profile of the Filipino community in New South Wales (NSW) on October 08.
The Philippine delegation was headed by Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III from Antipolo City, with the following local officials as members: Vice Governor Carlo P. Loreto of the Province of Leyte; Vice Governor Jo Kristine C. Revil of the Province of Masbate, Mayor Christian D. Natividad of the City of Malolos; Mayor Patricia Gonzales-Alsua of Ligao City, Albay; Mayor Cezanne Fritz H. Diaz of the Municipality of Siaton, Negros Oriental; Vice Mayor Jennifer M. Cruz of Pola, Oriental Mindoro; and Mr. Ares C. Goyena, Chief of Staff of the Office of Senator Bam Aquino.
Consul General Louis shared information with the local officials on the conduct of Overseas Voting in NSW and on the situation of Filipinos in the state, including their employment conditions and challenges that they encounter. The members of the Philippine delegation inquired about the number of Filipinos in NSW, the kinds of work open to them, and trade and investment activities between the Philippines and Australia.
During their visit, Consul General Louis introduced the delegation to Blacktown City Councillor Jess Diaz who is serving his third term as city councilor in Blacktown City, NSW.
The delegation was accompanied by AUSPOL Programme Officer Rick Corkhill during the visit.
AUSPOL was established in 1981 and operates a system of political exchange visits to promote understanding of Australia and its political system. The delegation that visited the Consulate General is the 10th Philippine delegation to participate in the program. END