Filipino Community Council Welcomes New PH Ambassador to Australia

(From left) Norman Kalagayan, Gloria Ross, Feding Donaghue, Cecilia Flores, Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen Barber De La Vega, Sally Barber, Kotch Velasquez, Noonee Doronila, Elizabeth Garrett, and Arnel Basas at the Philippine Embassy in Canberra on 29 November 2018. (Canberra PE photo)

CANBERRA 14 December 2018 – Officers of the Filipino Community Council of the ACT (FCCACT), the peak body of Filipino Community organizations in Canberra, welcomed Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen Barber De La Vega.

The Ambassador, who was only on her second day in Canberra during that time, discussed her priorities and vision in working with the Filipino Community.

She also noted the long history of cooperation between the Philippines and Australia dating back to the Second World War. “The people-to people-connections of the two countries are truly noteworthy. From fighting on the same side to advance democracy, to education exchanges and professional linkages, Filipinos and Australians share personal values as well as warm and deep friendship,” the Ambassador said.

Led by its President Noonee Doronila, the FCCACT said that the Council looks forward to working closely with Ambassador De La Vega in strengthening community-building among Filipinos in Australia and in supporting the Embassy’s efforts to serve the interests of the Filipino people.

The Ambassador expressed her appreciation for the Council’s warm welcome and their contributions in promoting Philippine heritage and the welfare of the overseas Filipino community. She encouraged the FCCACT to raise awareness on the pioneering efforts and achievements of Filipinos which have made an imprint in Australia’s multicultural society.

Ambassador De La Vega said that the Embassy will continue its strong engagement with the Filipino Community and that she looks forward to the celebration of Pasko sa Canberra (Christmas in Canberra) which is jointly organized by the FCCACT and the Embassy. END

For more information, visit www.canberrape.dfa.gov.ph / www.philembassy.org.au or https://www.facebook.com/PHinAustralia/.