12 November 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. visited the Escuela Primaria Republica de Filipinas in Guadalajara, State of Jalisco on November 07, accompanied by Philippine Honorary Consul Martin Camarena de Obeso and Honorary Vice-Consul Martha Mejia de Castañeda. Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor was also part of the delegation.

The school provides primary education to more than 1,000 Mexican students and is the biggest school in the northeastern part of the city. The school was named after the Philippines in 1969, taking into consideration the similarities in history, culture and tradition between the Philippines and Mexico.  

Ambassador Dilem and his delegation were warmly received by school officials and teachers led by school supervisor Edilbeto Rios, School Director Adolfo Segura and the President of the Parent-Teacher Association as well as the students who waved Philippine and Mexican flags.   

The school director thanked the Ambassador and his delegation for the visit as he briefed the students on the role of the Ambassador as representative of the Philippine Government in Mexico. One of the students also read a short history of the Philippines. The delegation was likewise given a tour of the school premises in which a mural was done by a Mexican artist featuring the seal of the Philippines.

Ambassador Dilem expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation. He noted that the visit was an opportunity to promote closer relations between the school and the Philippine Embassy. He provided the school with brochures and posters about the Philippines so the students would learn about the country after which their school was named.

Filipino artist  Manuel Baldemor conducted an artworkshop for around 40 students of the school.  he students worked on the sketches depicting the various cultural aspects of Philippine-Mexican relations done by Mr. Baldemor. Certificates were awarded to the students after the workshop.     

Honorary Consul Macarena promised to donate six bicycles for the best students in each grade, which was greatly appreciated by the school officials and students. END