07 January 2015 - As the Philippine Embassy continues to reach out and be one with the Filipino community especially in celebrating the Christmas season, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez and Vice Consul Glenn Obach attended the Christmas Party 2014 of the Filipino Dairy Workers in New Zealand, Inc. (FDWNZ) on 13 December 2014 at the Tinwald War Memorial Hall, Ashburton, South Island as headed by its Chairperson, Ms. Maiden Saba. Different and delightful Filipino dances, music, gift giving to children and a bountiful table of Filipino dishes highlighted the distinctive Filipino traditions and enlivened the Christmas celebration. Mr. Earl Magtibay who designed and arranged the captivating Christmas decorations on stage and Mr. Johnatan Madera who put up the beautiful guests’ and buffet tables contributed to the joyful ambience of the evening.
Fr. Joselito Quiñones, a Filipino priest, led the opening prayer followed by the welcome remarks of Ms. Saba. In her remarks, Ms. Saba reiterated her deep appreciation to Ambassador Benavidez, Vice Consul Obach, Fr. Geoff Grey, Parish priest, Fr. Joaquin Camano, Justice of the Peace Thelma Trono Bell, Mr. Lance Morrison, dairy workers and their families, Filipinos from the rebuild and reconstruction sector and all the guests and the FDWNZ officers and members for their presence, support and cooperation.
Ambassador Benavidez conveyed best wishes and heartfelt greetings to the FDWNZ team, acknowledged the guests and commended the FDWNZ officers, namely, Chairperson Saba, Board of Directors Eric Tao-Ey, Crisanto de Vera, Danvie Ranay, Johnatan Madera, Glenn Suyat, Hilarion Duro, Secretary Earl John Magtibay, Treasurer Urduja Pasion and Project Coordinator Ida Valerie Casipil for their collaborative efforts to harness the skills and talents of Filipinos in the dairy sector and look after them for the promotion of their interests, welfare and well-being. In these times of celebration, appreciation and recognition, “Christmas has been and will always be especially meaningful for us Filipinos. It is the time of the year when sharing and giving, not only of gifts and material things, but more importantly, of one’s heart and self become even more significant. Christmas resonates with the universal and uplifting message of hope, peace, love, joy and salvation as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.
She cited the vital contributions of the increasing number of Filipinos now estimated at 40,350 and comprising 1% of New Zealand’s total population with 7,551 Filipinos living in the South Island. It is also noteworthy that 10% of the population of the 35,000 in mid-Canterbury are Filipinos. They highlight the vital contributions of Filipinos to the multicultural fabric, ethnic diversity and strong sense of community of New Zealand. The hugely important roles and responsibilities and contributions of the Filipino dairy farmers were commended as Ambassador Benavidez quoted the words of Ashburton Mayor Angus McKay who stated that “the District is reliant on the positive work ethics of Filipinos.”
Certificates of Appreciation to the outgoing FDWNZ officers were presented and Certificates of Recognition was also presented to Roderick and Maria Cristina Tawatao, 1st FDWNZ members who became share milkers in Ashburton. This was followed by lively dance numbers from the UNIFIL Folk Dancers and Teenagers, New Life Church Kids and Teens, solo song numbers from Jasmine Andrada and Mary Nina Barlaan and the outstanding performance of the South2Chain Band Acoustic Serenade.
All the guests enjoyed the sumptuous buffet dinner and the celebratory evening which captured and cherished the heart-warming traditions and shared the Filipinos’ rich cultural heritage in the joyous season of hope, thanksgiving and togetherness. “In this season of commitment, the Philippine Embassy renews our determination to do our best in serving our beloved country and people in New Zealand and strengthening the close friendship and mutually beneficial partnership between Filipinos and New Zealanders. Our jobs are our mission. Uppermost in our hearts and minds are the words and example of President Benigno S. Aquino III who directed that all frontline services of the Government must be marked by honesty, integrity and hard work and of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario who stated that the men and women of the Department, in any time zone, must always serve with a smile, go the extra mile and reach beyond our grasp. May the CHRIST of Christmas continue to rule in our hearts and reign in our lives and the true meaning of the season fill our hearts and homes with many blessings and overflowing gratitude.” stated Ambassador Benavidez. END