PH Ambassador to Norway Highlights Impact of Filipino Diaspora in Conference

Ambassador Enrico T. Fos delivers his opening remarks at the ENFiD Diaspora to Dialogue Series (photo from Oslo PE)

OSLO 24 October 2023 – Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos underscored the impact of the Filipino diaspora in his opening remarks at the European Network of Filipino Diaspora’s (ENFiD) Diaspora to Dialogue (D2D) Series sponsored by ENFiD-Iceland and held on 13 October 2023 at Radhus Reykyavik in Iceland. 

Ambassador Fos is the Philippine non-resident envoy to Iceland.

“Filipinos are valued everywhere we go. Filipinos are among the most hardworking, competent and loyal workers in the world,” he said. 

“To date, there are an estimated over a million Filipinos in Europe, a big jump from 866,000 ten years ago in 2013. They are now not only migrant workers but also dual citizens, permanent residents and with their family members. In Iceland alone, the Filipino community numbers around 3,500 or about one percent of the total population of Iceland,” Ambassador Fos added.

He also lauded Filipino diaspora organizations such as ENFiD for bringing together Filipinos and serving as a link to their fellow nationals with others like them. 

“I am glad to know that in this conference there are speakers and resource persons coming from our own diaspora and from the host countries. This is a testament of how our respective host countries view the contributions of our people. The success stories of the speakers to this event demonstrate how resilient Filipinos are by turning challenges to victories,” the Ambassador said.

"I call on our kababayans here in Europe to continue to be good examples in your respective workplaces and communities and be a source of inspiration to your fellow Filipinos,” he added.

With the theme “Are You a Happy EuroPinoy?”, the conference featured talks on advocating services for immigrants, addressing racism, family separation, and surviving being alone overseas, and learning more about the Filipino psyche at work, among others.

ENFiD is an organization of Filipinos based in Europe, which aims to bring Filipino nationals together in a platform for exchanges to promote joint action for the cause of Filipinos in Europe and support the development of the Philippines.  They implement projects and activities that promote belongingness and networking among Filipinos in the continent and also contribute to the Philippines.  They have a chapter in 17 countries in Europe, including Iceland.  END

 Ambassador Enrico T. Fos delivers his opening remarks at the ENFiD Diaspora to Dialogue Series (photo from Oslo PE)

Ambassador Fos poses with the participants of the conference (photo from Oslo PE)

For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/  or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/.