26 May 2015 –The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, represented by Consul Marford Angeles, attended the International Students Leadership and Ambassadors’ (ISLA) Programme 2015 recognition ceremony on April 24 hosted by the Sydney City Council. Among those recognized were three Filipino international students, Ms. Karen Sillero, Ms. Sophie Andres and Mr. Julius Delino.

The ISLA Programme is an initiative of the Sydney City Council which started in 2013 and aims to create opportunities for students to better integrate and learn about local culture and help them make the most of their experience in Sydney. The participants chosen by the Sydney City Council undergo six months of training and volunteer work experience after which they are officially given their honorary roles as City of Sydney International Student Ambassadors in a recognition ceremony.

Consul Angeles met with the three Filipino international students and 37 other international students selected by the Sydney City Council for the ISLA Programme. Consul Angeles congratulated Ms. Sillero, Ms. Andres and Mr. Delino for making it to the programme and for committing their time and effort to help other students while finishing their courses.   

Ms. Sillero, one of the few participants who was asked to deliver a message during the recognition ceremony, spoke about how the programme contributed to her personal growth and development while empowering her to help other students face the challenges of being an international student in Sydney. Sydney Deputy Mayor Robyn Kemmis, speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Sydney, congratulated the programme participants and encouraged them to continue to contribute towards helping their fellow international students. END