28 May 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. undertook important institutional visits in Reggio Calabria and Messina to further enhance relations between the Philippines and Italy from April 5 to 6. He was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Marie L. Reyes and Honorary Consul General Dominico Marciano.

Ambassador Reyes and the Embassy delegation were received at the reception hall of the Palazzo della Provincia di Reggio Calabria by the President of the Province of Reggio Calabria Dott. Giuseppe Raffa, Provincial Legal and Cultural Assessor Dott. Eduardo Lamberti-Castronuovo, Provincial Council President Hon. Antonio Eroi, and the Bishop of Reggio Calabria Mons. Giovanni Ferro.

During the meeting with Reggio Calabria’s officials, the Ambassador and delegation discussed the favorable working conditions of the Filipino community present in the entire province of Reggio Calabria.  The local officials said they intend to send a delegation from Reggio Calabria to join the official business delegation traveling to the Philippines this June.

The following day, Ambassador Reyes and the Embassy delegation went to the province of Messina to visit the local authorities and the Filipino community.

The Ambassador was received at the Palazzo Zanca, seat of the Municipality of Messina, by Vice Mayor Prof. Guido Signorino and his wife.  He also met with Councilor Emila Barrile, the head of the City Council of Messina, where a large contingent of the Filipino community was likewise present.

During the Ambassador’s official visit, the Honorary Consul General also organized an important meeting between the Ambassador and the various heads of associations and organizations of Filipino communities in Reggio Calabria, Messina and Catanzaro. The meeting was held at the office of the Honorary Consulate General in Reggio Calabria.  END