04 December 2015 - More than 70 Filipino community leaders and representatives of Filipino community organizations and community media attended the Consulate General’s Biannual Meeting with Filipino community leaders in New South Wales (NSW) last November 28.
Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis welcomed the Filipino community leaders and thanked them for attending the meeting, which gives the Consulate General the opportunity to provide updates on significant developments in the Philippines, on Philippines-Australia relations, and on upcoming programs and initiatives of the Consulate.
Consul General Louis discussed the developments on the Philippines’ case against China’s Nine-Dash Line before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea. She said that following the ruling handed down last October 29 by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that it has jurisdiction over the case, the Court has commenced hearing of the Philippine submissions on the first week of November. She encouraged the Filipino community leaders to monitor and discuss the Philippine position and relevant developments on the case with their members.
Consul General Louis also informed the Filipino community leaders of the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Australia on 04 July 2016, and the preparations being undertaken by the Consulate General to mark this milestone event. She encouraged the Filipino community leaders to initiate activities in line with the commemoration of this milestone next year.
Consul General Louis likewise discussed the Philippines’ trade and investment priorities for 2016, particularly the investment opportunities for Australia. She encouraged the Filipino community leaders to help promote the Philippines as a trade, investment and tourism destination.
Consul General Louis also briefed the Filipino community leaders on the successful outcome of the inaugural Visit the Philippines Tour last August 12 to 15 and asked the community representatives to participate in the next tour. The meeting was also informed about the commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30 at the Rizal Park in Rosemeadow, Campbelltown City, NSW. Consul General Louis thanked the Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown for donating a framed photo of the Rizal Monument at the Rizal Park in Rosemeadow, which now hangs at the Bulwagang Rizal of the Consulate.
In recognition of Filipino-Australian historian and writer Renato Perdon’s valuable contribution to the Consulate’s Resource Centre with his donation of books and other materials on Philippine history as well as the history of the Filipino community in NSW, Consul General Louis presented the latter with a certificate of appreciation.
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen F. Anota graced the event and spoke to the Filipino community leaders, thanking them for their support for the programs of the Embassy and the Consulate and expressing hope that they will continue working for the good of the community and contributing to the development of the Philippines. In honor of Ambassador Anota, who will complete her tour of duty as Philippine Ambassador to Australia this December, the Sydney Sonata Singers rendered several Filipino patriotic songs and kundiman to the delight of the meeting participants. END