08 October 2013 - Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste María Aileen H. Bugarín called on Timor-Leste Secretary of State for Institutional Strengthening (SEFI) Francisco da Costa Borlako Soares last October 3.

The meeting is part of the preparations for the proposed study tour of SEFI officials to the Philippines to learn from the Philippine Government decentralization model.

Secretary Soares and the other SEFI officials who joined him in the meeting expressed their interest to know more about Philippine Government-led initiatives to promote transparent, accountable and participatory governance at the local level.

After the call, Ambassador Bugarin assured the Timor-Leste side that their concerns will be conveyed to relevant agencies in the Philippines for further guidance and instructions. Noting also that the Philippines and Timor-Leste share a deep affinity for the ideals of good governance, the Ambassador further told Secretary Soares that the Embassy will do its utmost best to bring the proposal to fruition.

Joining Ambassador Bugarín in the courtesy call were Third Secretary Maurice A. Tiempo and Attaché Reynold D. Banda. END