19 May 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez met with the Filipino and Indian participants to the Third Study Tour and Short Course for Rural Bankers conducted by the Massey University Wellington that was held from April 20 to May 01. The participants were Land Bank of the Philippines First Vice President of the Lending Program Management Group Leila C. Martin, Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) Director Magdalena S. Casuga, ACPC Planning Officer Maria Teresa J. Santos, Atty. Francisco Medardo Lorenzo C. Cantre of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), PCI Acting Vice President of the Support Services Group Segundo H. Guerrero, Jr., Acting Vice President, and India’s Syndicate Bank Regional Manager Buchnally Ananth Rao.
The participants were able to get a first-hand knowledge of and exposure to New Zealand’s best practices, policies, on-farm applications in rural banking, finance and agricultural business. The programme, organized by the Asia Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association which works closely with the Massey University’s Centre for Professional and Continuing Education, took the participants to visits to the Reserve Bank, Rabobank, olive grove and winery in Wairarapa, dairy farm, meeting with the provincial president of the New Zealand Federated Farmers and tour of the Massey University campus.
Ambassador Benavidez hosted a dinner at “Ang Bahay”, the Philippine Ambassador’s residence, on April 21 for the participants and officers from Massey University. They were Professor Claire Massey, Executive Director of Agri-Food Business; Professor Annette Huntington, Head of the School of Nursing; Mr. Clive Thorp, formerly with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand; Ms. Anne-Marie Ngan, Program Coordinator-Professional Education of Professional and Continuing Education; and Ms. Christina Baldarelli, Program Coordinator of International Short Courses. Philippine Minister and Consul General Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Glenn Joseph Obach were also present. In warmly welcoming the guests, Ambassador Benavidez highlighted the importance and usefulness of the Study Tour that would enable the participants to learn more about New Zealand’s strengths, policies and expertise in rural banking and agri-commerce, apply their enhanced knowledge and skills in the relevant sectors back home and contribute to poverty alleviation, inclusive growth and community driven progress of communities and stakeholders.
The participants and the guests reiterated their deep appreciation to Ambassador Benavidez and the Philippine Embassy for the warm reception, gracious hospitality and full support which made the Study Tour more meaningful and memorable. END