19 July 2016 – In the morning of 14 July 2016, Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Eduardo José A. De Vega accompanied by Philippine Consul, a.h. to Guadalajara Martín Camarena de Obeso, Philippine Vice Consul, a.h. to Guadalajara Martha Mejía de Castañeda and Administrative Officer Bernardo Bagalay were accorded a warm welcome by school officials, students and parents from the Escuela República de Filipinas in Guadalajara City as they participated in a special activity organized by the school.   On hand to receive the Philippine delegation was the school’s director, Maestro Adolfo Segura Avila. The educational institution, founded on October 09, 1969, is administered by 48 school officials providing for the academic and administrative needs of the school’s 1,100 students in the elementary level.

Ambassador De Vega participated in the ceremony for the donation of twelve units of bicycles given by Consul Camarena to the outstanding students of the school for the academic year 2015-2016. Ambassador De Vega in his message to the student body stated that the token bike donation is not just a material gift but a gesture to motivate students to study hard as they will be representing their country’s future. Consul Camarena for his part acknowledge the presence of the Philippine Ambassador and informed those present that it is an honor for Ambassador de Vega to join us in the ceremony as he is the highest representative of the Philippine President to the United Mexican States. He further emphasized that his generous act is a means by which he is increasing awareness of the Philippines in Jalisco. 

Director Adolfo Segura encouraged the students to interact with the Philippine delegation as it will be a way to know more about the country in which the school is named after.  He assured those present that he, along with the rest of the officials of the school, will continue to provide quality education and guidance to students.

A representative from the student body, Ms. Monina Perez, expressed her appreciation on behalf of her fellow students for the Philippine Ambassador’s presence as well as the donation of the bicycles. She extolled her fellow students to excel in school and more importantly to consider learning as an enjoyable experience.

On 13 July 2016, a meeting between Ambassador De Vega and Consul Camarena also took place in which both parties have committed to constantly coordinate and provide assistance to one another with the objective of promoting the interests of the Philippines in the State of Jalisco.

A fitting end to the Philippine Ambassador’s trip to Guadalajara is a visit to the monument known as the Puerta de Manila. The imposing structure, located in Zapopan, Jalisco is a testament to the long historical link and friendship between the Philippines and Mexico as it pays homage to the historic 1564 expedition of Miguel López de Legazpi to Manila from the nearby Port of Barra de Navidad. END