05 February 2014 – Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organizations, Ambassador Cecilia Rebong, met with the leaders of the Filipino community in Geneva last January 29 at the Philippine Mission/Consulate General in this Swiss city.

During her first meeting with the Filipino community leaders, Ambassador Rebong expressed her appreciation for their continued support to the Mission/Consulate General.

She commended the leaders for their initiative in coming up with projects to help their respective Filipino community organizations and to promote Philippine history and culture. In particular, she highlighted their project of donating Filipiniana books to various libraries in Geneva.

Ambassador Rebong likewise expressed her gratitude, on behalf of the Philippine Government, to the leaders for the immediate assistance the Filipino community provided for kababayans who were affected by the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). 

Attended by about 20 leaders representing approximately 30 Filipino organizations in Geneva and Vaud, the meeting gave the opportunity for the Mission/Consulate General officials and the Filipino leaders to exchange views on how to further improve the already strong and vibrant relationship between them.

The Filipino community leaders thanked Ambassador Rebong and the Philippine Mission/Consulate General for initiating the gathering and for the healthy exchange of views and ideas. They pledged to continue to support the Philippine Mission/Consulate General in its projects and programs that are geared to benefit Filipinos and Filipino-Swiss in Geneva.

There are more than 5,000 Filipinos in Geneva and Vaud under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in Geneva. END