PH Ambassador, Mayor of Providencia, Chile Explore Cooperation in Culture and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Ambassador Vinzon-Balatbat and Mayor Matthei exchange ideas on mutual areas of cooperation (Photo courtesy of the Municipality of Providencia)

SANTIAGO 17 September 2024 — H.E. Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat, Philippine Ambassador to Chile, met with Mayor of Providencia Evelyn Matthei on 10 September 2024 to discuss potential areas where the Philippines and the ASEAN Committee in Santiago (ACS) can collaborate with the Municipality of Providencia. 

Ambassador Vinzon-Balatbat informed Mayor Matthei of the Embassy’s recent cultural activities, such as the UP Rondalla concert last 5 June 2024 and the Philippine film festival in June 2024, both held at Museo Histórico y Militar de Chile in Santiago.

Madame Matthei said Providencia residents have a keen interest in cultural events organized by other countries. 

As Chair of the ACS, Ambassador Vinzon-Balatbat also raised the possibility of establishing an ASEAN Park in Providencia and the holding of the ASEAN Film Festival in Teatro Oriente, Providencia. These activities are part of the Philippines’s objectives as Chair of ACS to raise ASEAN awareness and add value to the ASEAN-Chile Development Partnership.

Mayor Matthei welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the Philippines and the ACS, and recognized the mutual benefit of these cooperation activities. Mayor Matthei also shared that Providencia hosts significant cultural events in Chile and are used to working with embassies and missions. 

Ambassador Vinzon-Balatbat also highlighted existing areas of cooperation such as exchange of best practices in disaster risk reduction and management, especially earthquakes and tsunami-preparedness. 

Mayor Matthei shared her impressions of the Philippines from her short visit to Manila more than ten years ago, when she was a member of Chile’s legislature, and especially remembered the country’s handicrafts and fabrics.

Providencia is a 122-year-old commune in Chile’s capital, Santiago. It is home to several architectural structures and cultural centers that reflect the country’s heritage as well as popular tourist spots in Santiago. END  

(L-R) Ambassador Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat and Mayor of Providencia Evelyn Matthei (Photo courtesy of the Municipality of Providencia)

For more information, visit https://www.santiagope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChile.