22 August 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Filipino community organization Pusong Pinoy Association (PPA) conducted the oath-taking of its new officers, and first Family Day on July 20 at the Embassy.

The new set of PPA officers was inducted by Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Alex V. Lamadrid. In the Ambassador’s brief remarks, he congratulated the outgoing officers, led by President John Hernandez, and commended them for a job well done especially for their efforts in making the PPA a unifying force within the Filipino community in the Nigerian capital.

The Ambassador also commended the outgoing PPA officers for their excellent cooperation with the Embassy in the past year, for spearheading numerous activities which promoted the welfare and well-being of the Filipino community, including family days, sports fest, picnics, parties, and financial literacy and business seminars, and for their charitable activities for the benefit of the less fortunate in Nigeria.

Ambassador Lamadrid also congratulated and extended his best wishes to the new officers.

In his message, the Ambassador also expounded on the good news from the Philippines, such as the signing of wealth-sharing annex to Framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, start of arbitral proceedings under UNCLOS, and the Philippines as the fastest-growing economy in Asia during the first quarter of this year (7.8%).

Certificates of appreciation to the outgoing officers were presented by Ambassador Lamadrid and PPA Chairperson Lolita C. Victorio.

New PPA President Sheen Arcala announced PPA’s forthcoming activities. Entertainment was rendered by officers and members of the Filipino community, Filipino foods and delicacies were served, and fund-raising activities were held as part of the first Family Day. The closing remarks were delivered by the new PPA Vice President Bernard Mercado. END