PH President Meets the Filipino Community in Moscow
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte receives a very warm and ecstatic welcome from the Filipinos in Russia on 05 October 2019. (Vida Cara photo)
MOSCOW 17 October 2019 — At the close of his recently-concluded five-day Official Visit to Russia, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had a town hall meeting with more than 1,370 members of the Filipino Community in Russia on 05 October 2019 at the Exhibition of the Achievements of the Russian National Economy or ‘VDNKh” in northeast Moscow.
Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta in his remarks, noted the heavy anticipation among the members of the community for the President’s second visit to Russia, especially after his first visit in May 2017 was cut short.
The Ambassador summarized the successful visit of the President by saying that the Philippines and Russia have further deepened their relations following the conclusion of several government-to-government agreements and private sector and business-related agreements.
In his remarks, the President urged Filipinos to follow the laws and regulations of the Russian Federation, as guest workers, even as they await the ongoing negotiations on a bilateral labor agreement between the two countries to come to fruition during his term. He narrated his challenges and victories on fighting drug abuse in the country, as well as took pride in his zero tolerance for corruption in his administration. He likewise introduced each member of his Cabinet, reserving special praise for Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, the only Senator accompanying the President.
A cultural program was offered by the President to the Filipino Community consisting of performances from the U.P. Madrigal Singers, the Bayanihan Folkloric Dance Company, and surprise performances from Philipp Salvador, Cesar Montano and YouTube star Moi Moi Palaboy. END
Filipino Community in Moscow, Russia waits for the arrival of the President. (R. Ferrer photo)
Left photo: Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta delivers his remarks and introduces Karen, a member of the Filipino Community, who sang ‘Ikaw’ with the President to the delight of the crowd. (Vida Cara photo)
The Bayanihan Dance Company (Photo by Vida Cara)
The U.P. Singing Ambassadors (Photo by Vida Cara)
For more information, visit https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/ or https://twitter.com/phlinrussia