28 October 2015 – Another edition of “Kapihan sa Pasuguan” was conducted by the Philippine Embassy in Damascus on October 18 at the AGR Room of the Philippine Chancery, West Mezzeh, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. Under the auspices of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), The Embassy also conducted a Financial Literacy Campaign (FLC) to go along with “Kapihan sa Pasuguan.” A total of 63 participants attended the event, with OFWs currently housed in the half-way quarters of the Embassy as well as the Filipino communities in Damascus being the targeted audience.

In his opening remarks, Charge d’ Affaires, e.p. Nestor N. Padalhin explained the importance of the Kapihan sa Pasuguan as a way to engage with the Filipino community. It is also a forum to promote the programs, projects and activities (PPAs) of the Embassy, in particular, and the Philippine Government, in general.

For the FLC, the audience viewed the short film provided by the BSP and listened to a talk on financial literacy given by Vice Consul Siegfred Masangcay. The next edition of FLCs will also include information on income management.

The latest “Kapihan sa Pasuguan” also highlighted the importance of the Mandatory Repatriation Program (MRP) and of signing up for repatriation, as soon as possible.  Some participants expressed interest in the MRP after the event.

“Kapihan sa Pasuguan” is a regular event of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus. END