25 May 2016 - Around 90 Filipino Community leaders and media representatives extended their warm welcome and greetings to Ambassador Minda Calaguian-Cruz during the Welcome Reception tendered in her honor by Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis at the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, Australia, on May 04. Ambassador Cruz was accompanied by members of her family, including her spouse, Ambassador Luis T. Cruz, daughter, Natasha Ria Gutteridge, and son-in-law, James Gutteridge.
In her first address to the Filipino community in New South Wales, Ambassador Cruz noted the long-standing relations between the Philippines and Australia and the growth of these relations through people-to-people contact and the contributions made by the Filipino migrant community. She noted the various achievements of Filipinos in Australia, as well as those of the Filipino community organizations and groups, and wished them success in their projects in aid of Filipinos requiring assistance back home as well as in New South Wales. She looked forward to knowing the Filipino community members better through her visits to New South Wales in the months ahead.
Ambassador Cruz encouraged the community to support the activities that would be held in Australia in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Philippines-Australia Diplomatic Relations. She highlighted the role of the Filipinos overseas as ambassadors for the country and as partners of the Philippine Government in the promotion of the Philippines as a prime trade, investment and tourism destination.
Following the brief formal ceremony, a reception was held during which the Filipino community representatives present conveyed their thanks for the opportunity to get to know Ambassador Cruz and the members of her family. They also expressed their support for the programs and initiatives of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra and the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney.
The Consulate made arrangements for all the guests present to have a photo opportunity with Ambassador Cruz. END