PH Ambassador to Australia Celebrates PH-Australia Friendship Day with Monash International Affairs Society

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega shares her experiences as a diplomat with the Monash International Affairs Society and the Filipino Association of Monash during a video conference on 21 May 2020. (Canberra PE photo)

AUSTRALIA 27 May 2020 – Coinciding with the celebration of Philippines-Australia Friendship Day, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega served as guest speaker at the online video conference organized by the Monash International Affairs Society with the Filipino Association of Monash on 21 May 2020.

In her remarks, Ambassador De La Vega, underscored the important role of Filipino international students in continuing the historic and enduring friendship between the Philippines and Australia.

 “The economic, social and health impact of COVID-19 will persist in the years to come and we must work together with the international community and global and regional institutions to find innovative and agile ways to face these unprecedented challenges,” said Ambassador De La Vega.

She shared her insights on how the Philippines is harnessing its cooperation with Australia through the Philippines-Australia Comprehensive Partnership and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Australia Strategic Partnership to move together to a post-pandemic recovery plan.

Ambassador De La Vega answered questions on her experience as a diplomat and the principles that guided her professional and personal life. She encouraged students to learn more about Philippine culture through Filipino food, faith, and family values.

Ambassador De Le Vega said she looked forward to seeing the students become future leaders in the international community. END

Members of the Monash International Affairs Society and the Filipino Monash Association engage with Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega during an online video conference on 21 May 2020 coinciding with the celebration of Philippines0Australia Friendship Day. (Canberra PE photo)

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