14 November 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara marked the one-year anniversary of the bravery and resilience of the Filipinos as they faced the tragedy caused by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan on November 09, with a call to the Kababayans to “Be RICEponsible”.
The event, attended by at least 150 Filipino community members from Istanbul and Ankara, gathered to pay respects to the many lives lost in the tragedy, which brought international attention and generous aid to the Philippines. The video presentation “We Will Rise Again”, which depicted Filipinos’ determination to recover and build back stronger, was shown.
Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez gave the audience a status report of the current situation in the affected areas focusing on the rehabilitation projects being undertaken by the Philippine Government through the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) under the chairmanship of Secretary Panfilo M. Lacson.
In celebration of “National Rice Awareness Month” and support to Department of Agriculture’s “Be RICEponsible” campaign, Cultural Officer Eunice Trinidad led the group in reciting the “Panatang MakaPALAY” as a commitment to the government’s goals of food security and a sustainable economy.
The program was followed by the oath-taking of the officers of The Filipino Community in Turkey (FCT) headed by its President, Ms. Elma Trinidad. Ambassador Sanchez administered the oath. FCT’s Public Relations Officer, Ms. Rowena Timoteo gave a brief introduction about the new group. The Ambassador congratulated the officers and members of the Filipino Community in Turkey and expressed her hopes that the new group will help further advance the endeavors of the Embassy, especially in extending assistance to other kababayans regardless of their group affiliation.
FCT President Trinidad expressed the group’s commitment to support the Embassy at all times. She also expressed the group’s appreciation for the warm welcome extended to them on that day.
Prior to the program, the FCT joined the Holy Mass at the Meryem Ana Church with the International Community of Ankara. Lunch was then served at the Chancery showcasing Philippine dishes. Consular services and overseas voters registration were also conducted simulteneously with the program. END