02 February 2017 ACT — Philippine Ambassador to Australia Minda Calaguian-Cruz hosted the Filipino community leaders and members in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) for a meeting and afternoon tea at the Ambassador’s Residence on January 25.
The Ambassador thanked the leaders and members for their full support and assistance for the Embassy’s events in 2016, including the year-long celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Australia diplomatic relations, Pasko sa Canberra, and Simbang Gabi, among others.
Ambassador Cruz discussed the Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN this year and its significance given the regional group’s 50th anniversary and its growing importance and relevance.
She discussed the Embassy’s proposed activities for 2017. She welcomed the active involvement of the Filipino Community in all the Embassy’s events in 2017.
ACT-based Filipino community organizations present during the event were ACT Filipino-Australian Social & Cultural Association (ACT FASCA), Couples for Christ, El Shaddai Prayer Group, Filipino Council of the ACT, Inc. (FCCACT), Filipino Language School, FilOZ Youth, Health Care Hospital Group, International Students, Legion of Mary, Philippine Australian Association, Philippine Cultural Society, Radyo Filipino Canberra, Rondanihan, Singles for Christ, The Family Rosary Group, Voices for Christ, and Fr. Luis Viovicente, the Filipino parish priest of St. Monica’s Church Evatt who organized the celebration of Simbang Gabi in the past two years. END