07 April 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr., accompanied by the Philippine Embassy’s Administrative Officer, Mr. Bernardo G. Bagalay, visited the Escuela Secundaria 87 Republica Filipinas located in the outskirts of Mexico City last April 2.  The school was given its name as a gesture of gratitude after former President Ferdinand E. Marcos donated equipment for its chemistry laboratory. At present there are about 700 students from first to third year at the secondary level and 90 faculty members.

During the visit, Ambassador Dilem met with the school’s director Mr. Mariano Reyes Escamilla and the District Inspector General, Ms. Maria Simona Graciela Ugalde Olivos.  The Ambassador and  school officials agreed to intensify  the exchange of cultural activities between the Escuela Republica de Filipinas  and the Embassy in order to enlighten the students on the history and cultural traits of the country to which their school is named after.  Two activities are planned this year to coincide with the Philippine National Day in June and the end of the school year in October.

The Ambassador was grateful for the opportunity given to him to interact with the student body as he visited and gave his message to the classes of the first to third year students of the educational institution.

The visit ended with Ambassador Dilem and Director Reyes visiting the school plaza where a bust of Dr. Jose Rizal is enshrined. END