Philippines Commences Hangzhou Asiad Campaign
HANGZHOU 28 September 2023 – Hopes run high as the Philippines begins its campaign in the 19th Asian Games that officially opened in Hangzhou, China, on 23 September.
The country is fielding close to 400 athletes in the Hangzhou 2022 Asiad, which will run until October 8.
On hand to cheer their countrymen were Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz, accompanied by Mrs. Ana Segovia FlorCruz, Consul General Josel F. Ignacio, and officials from the Philippine Embassy in Beijing and Consulate General in Shanghai.
The two foreign service posts have a joint team in Hangzhou to support liaison with host authorities and provide protocol, logistical and other forms of support to the Philippines’ participation.
Ambassador and Mme. FlorCruz joined other dignitaries at the dazzling Opening Ceremony on the evening of 23 September at Hangzhou’s Olympic Sports Center Stadium, in rites that showcased both China’s rich culture and its technological prowess.
Earlier that day, the Ambassador and Consul General Ignacio welcomed star pole vaulter EJ Obiena – currently ranked world number two – on his arrival at the Athlete’s Village. The Consulate General arranged his transport from Huzhou, one of the several host cities of the 19th Asiad, in time for the Opening Ceremony where he was Philippine flag-bearer.
The Embassy and Consulate General are all out in their support for the Philippine campaign. In the run-up to the Asiad, the two foreign service missions had engaged POC officials in regular coordination meetings.
On 22 September, Ambassador FlorCruz and Consul General Ignacio met and conveyed their well-wishes to Filipino athletes as they hosted Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham N. Tolentino to afternoon tea at the Hangzhou Marriot Hotel Qianjiang.
Joining the POC President were Rep. Aniela Bianca Tolentino (Cavite, 8th District), Cavite Vice Gov. Athena Bryana Tolentino, and POC Legal Counsel Wharton R. Chan.
Also on the 22nd, the Philippine diplomats had the opportunity to greet other athletes and dignitaries, including Rep. Faustino Michael Carlos T. DY III (Isabela, 5th District) and Rep. Eric Reyes Buhain (Batangas, 1st District).
The Philippines is one of the few countries that have taken part in the Asian Games since its inception in 1951.
Host city Hangzhou, one of Zhejiang Province’s premier metropolitan areas, is under the consular jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai. END
For more information, visit http://shanghaipcg.dfa.gov.ph/ .