29 September 2014 – The Philippine Consulate General in Milan led by Consul General Marichu Mauro and the entire Filipino community celebrated the 21st anniversary foundation of Mabuhay Associazione Italo Filippina in Romagna on September 21. Mabuhay was the first immigrant association established in Ravenna, in the region of Emilia Romagna on June 12, 1993.
Mabuhay officers and members warmly welcomed the Philippine Consulate General officials and mentioned this was the very first time that the Consulate General participated in the celebration in Ravenna, located more than 400 kilometers from Milan.
Consulate General officials also joined in the celebration of the Holy Mass officiated by Italian priest, Fr. Paolo who is also the head of the city’s Philippine chaplaincy. Fr. Paolo extolled the important contribution that Filipinos have continuously been providing Ravenna particularly in the development of its socio-cultural life. He emphasized the longstanding relations of Filipinos with the city of Ravenna.
In her message, Philippine Consul General Mauro highlighted the importance of bringing the Consulate closer to the Filipino community as a way of effectively engaging them in various activities of the Consulate. She also said that the Consulate General will continue organizing events that will address the community’s welfare. The Consul General also thanked the Italian local authorities for their good treatment of Filipinos and efforts to facilitate Filipinos’ integration into the Italian society.
Ravenna is an inland city that opens to the Adriatic Sea by the Candiano Canal. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its beautiful Byzantine art and is often called the city of mosaics. END