07 June 2016 - A team from the Philippine Embassy in Ankara conducted the Embassy's monthly mission in Istanbul from May 28 to 29. On May 28, the Embassy hosted a reception in honor of the graduating students in Turkey as part of its continuing efforts to raise the profile of the Filipino students in Turkey and to encourage the students to take advantage of their significant role in promoting the interests of the Philippines in Turkey.

Consul General Robert O. Ferrer, Jr., in his opening remarks, encouraged the students to think about what they can do for the Philippines and to take advantage of their unique position as “embedded Ambassadors” in promoting the political and economic interests of the Philippines to their classmates, teachers and friends in Turkey. On the other hand, Consul Ericka Anna Abad, in her remarks, encouraged the students to use the knowledge, skills and best practices that they learned in Turkey to contribute to the achievement of continued good economic performance of the Philippines.

The graduating students, in their individual remarks, talked about what they learned from their experiences as scholars in Turkey; thanked their families, friends and mentors who helped them succeed in their scholarship in Turkey; and talked about their hopes, dreams and future plans.

Dr. Nassef Adiong, one of the first and outstanding Filipino doctoral students in Turkey who successfully completed a Doctorate in International Relations (IR) in the Middle East Technical University (METU), talked about his initiatives and activities in the field of IR which include publications of books and the establishment of an IR group. Ms. Carmen Martin, the President of the Filipino Community in Istanbul, and Ms. Elma Trinidad, the President of the Filipino Community in Turkey, respectively, expressed how proud they were of the dedication and hard work that the students exhibited in the completion of their education in Turkey.  It was all the more poignant as they narrated how they missed the graduation ceremonies of their own children while they were abroad.

The next day, the Ankara PE Team provided consular services to more than ninety (90) Filipinos in Istanbul on May 29. The Team processed twenty-six (26) e-passport applications, eighteen (18) notarials, and three (3) NBI applications. The Ankara PE Team also released twenty-one (21) passports and provided consultations to several Filipinos who have employment related problems and concerns. END