05 November 2013- The Philippine Embassy in Prague hosted on  October 25 a delegation from the St. Pedro Poveda College, Manila consisting of 59 students, nine teachers, and two coordinators as part Poveda’s Alternative Learning Program study tour of Central Europe.

Charge d’Affaires, a.i. (CDA) Juan E. Dayang, Jr. of the Embassy gave a briefing on Philippine-Czech relations, highlighting the relationship’s unique aspects. 

CDA Dayang spoke about the unique historic and cultural ties between the two nations such as the Filipino devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague and the deep friendship of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and Czech Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt as well as aspects of bilateral relations in the field of politics, economics, and people-to-people exchanges. 

Two selected Embassy staff also introduced their field of work to the participants.  Administrative Officer and Attaché  Milette Flores-Olimpo shared her insights on the Filipinos working and living in the Czech Republic while Cultural Officer and Attaché Ramon A. Gaspar, shared the “Do’s and Don’ts” for tourists in the Czech Republic.

Prague was the first leg of the Central European tour of the students.  Part of their tour program in the Czech Republic includes visits to significant places visited by Dr. Jose Rizal as well as by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.   The students will also visit Poland, Germany, Austria, and Hungary.

CDA Dayang noted that the student gathering “is a good opportunity for the younger generation of Filipinos to learn about Philippine-Czech relations and how diplomatic missions work.” He added that “it is also a good way to improve cultural exchange between the two countries and raise awareness among young students to consider  a future career in the Foreign Service.”

A simple reception was hosted by the Embassy after the briefing. END