Newsletter

Philippine Embassy, New Delhi Newsletter (January to March 2009 issue)

Ambassador Benedicto Presents Credentials to

Ambassador Francisco L. Benedicto presented to President Ram Baran Yadav his Letter of Credence as Non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal on 13 March 2009 in .

President Yadav was joined by the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs (Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav was on official travel out of the country), the Chief of Protocol, the Army Chief of Staff, and the head of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal.

During a brief call on the President after the ceremony, Ambassador Benedicto congratulated him for Nepal’s declaration as a federal democratic republic, and wished him well on their ongoing national transformation. He expressed the hope that the Philippines can continue to be of assistance to Nepal in terms of human resources development, even as the two countries explore possible new areas for collaboration, including the promotion of bilateral trade. He also enjoined the Nepal Government’s continued cooperation to ensure the welfare of Filipino nationals in Nepal and Nepalese nationals in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, in addition to HRD, President Yadav cited agriculture and livestock as some of the fields wherein the Philippines could potentially provide further assistance to Nepal.

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Ambassador Benedicto also took the opportunity to call on some of his Nepal in Brief resident counterparts in Kathmandu, including the Ambassador of Russia, who is the dean of the diplomatic corps, and the Ambassadors of China and Japan, in order to hear their views about the political and security situation, as well as economic and other opportunities in Nepal.

Cradled by the Himalayas, landlocked Nepal borders the two most populous countries in the world, India and China. To its north is Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world, which is fondly known to the Nepalese as Sagarmatha. Nepal is a country of varied topography, with hills, valleys and plains apart from mountains. It is home to an estimated 24 million people belonging to more than 60 castes or ethnic groups.

A monarchy for most of its history, Nepal declared itself as a A dinner was also federal democratic republic on hosted in his honor by 28 May 2008, making it one of the Philippine Consul the world’s youngest republics. General, a.h., in It is presently headed by Kathmandu, Mr. Vijaya President Ram Baran Yadav and Gajananda Vaidya, to governed by Prime Minister which select members of the diplomatic corps “Prachanda.” were invited. Nepal has diplomatic relations with more than a hundred countries, including the To familiarize themselves with the culture and , the Philippines. It falls under the Ambassador and his delegation concluded their visit with a tour of two jurisdiction of the Philippine World Heritage Sites, Bhaktapur and Patan, which were the capitals of Embassy in New Delhi, which is two ancient kingdoms in the Himalayan country. assisted in delivering consular services in Nepal by an Honorary The Ambassador was Consulate General in accompanied by Deputy Kathmandu, headed by Consul Chief of Mission Maria General, ad honorem, Dr. Vijaya Aileen H. Bugarin, Third Gajananda Vaidya. Secretary & Vice Consul Catherine Rose G. Torres, Defense & Armed Forces Attaché to India with concurrent accreditation to Nepal Col. Alex C. Capiña, and Mrs. Leontina L. Benedicto.

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“CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN GLOBAL CRISIS” (An excerpt from the speech of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Philippine Economic Briefing) February 25, 2009

We’re all very much aware of the challenges of the global economic crisis confronted by countries around the world. But I hope we’re also all aware that ensuring that they continue to weather the global economic storm will require the cooperation and partnership of the government and the private sector.

As I’m sure you can remember, a year ago, we were riding the wave. This year, along with all other developed and developing economies alike, we’re working hard to make sure that we are not swamped by the world economic crisis.

In 2007, the Philippines generated an 8.0 percent GNP growth. In 2008, when two-thirds of the world went into a recession, we still managed a 6.1 percent GNP growth. In the fourth quarter of 2008, Japan’s GDP declined by 12.7 percent, U.S. by 5.0 percent, Taiwan by 9.0 percent, Thailand by 4.0 percent, Singapore by 3.7, Korea by 5.6. But our GDP went up by 4.5 percent. Up to late last year, Filipinos had no difficulties finding and keeping the important jobs overseas that were helping their families and contributing to the economy; food prices were coming under control and inflation was being checked.

The world financial crisis appears deeper than most anticipated. However, I don’t think our plans are doomed to fail. We remain cautiously hopeful that we can continue to insulate the Philippines from the full frontal assault that much of the world is experiencing. Yet, we realize with each passing day, that objective becomes a greater challenge and therefore we must always be ready to innovate.

Our government is up to the challenge. But it is clear that our success will come only if it is a true team effort. Government will do its part, but the private sector must step up and seize the opportunity we have created: a nation that is more stable and secure than at any time in recent memory. Working together, we have created a better deal if you will, than many countries in the region. So now, I call upon the leaders of our private sector to take up the challenge at this important time: join your government and continue to invest in our nation’s future. Work with us to ensure that our nation’s limited resources, finite resources are able to meet the objective of improving the lives of the people of the Philippines.

We must all band together to shoulder the responsibility of bringing our nation through these challenging global times. As I said, to date, we have been successful. But now is not the time to be laid back or inactive. It is the time to step up to the challenge and work hard to ensure our nation’s bright economic future.

We are a tough, proud and resilient people. Our resilience has proven its worth this past year. It will see us through to the global economic rebound that we all know will eventually come. But if we are to continue on the path to progress, we must act together, in common purpose; to provide the long-term opportunities our people want and deserve.

Finally, for your commitment to the Philippine economy; a commitment that will continue to pay dividends for many years to come.

To all of you, maraming salamat and thank you.

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Statement of Secretary Alberto G. Department of Romulo on the approval by the US Congress of benefits for Filipino Foreign Affairs World War II Veterans, 14 February 2009 Updates I share the profound sense of joy that our nation and especially our Filipino World War In pursuit of the Philippines’ commitment to deepen engagement Two veterans feel with the passage in the US with its partners in the Middle East, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Congress of a law that recognizes their military Alberto G. Romulo visited the Republic of Lebanon and the Syrian service and grants them the benefits that they Arab Republic on 16 to 19 February 2009. so truly deserve.

The Philippines established diplomatic relations with Lebanon and The passage of this law had always been among Syria in 1946, almost 63 years ago. It opened its Embassy in Beirut the top foreign policy tasks given to me by the in 1996 and in Damascus in December last year. Our Diplomatic President. It was a task that I vigorously carried out, keenly aware of the historic imperative of Missions in these Arab States are at the forefront of the vigorous correcting a grave injustice. implementation of Philippine foreign policy especially in the enhancement of trade and cultural exchanges and in the continued It was a task in which we succeeded because promotion of the welfare of Filipino expatriates. the President herself was our most convincing advocate – reaching out to key players in the In Beirut, the Secretary met with President Michel Sleiman, Prime US Congress. Her visit to Washington early this Minister Fouad Siniora and Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister month came at a crucial time: the provisions on Fawzi Salloukh, while he called on President Bashar Assad, Prime our veterans were in danger of being dropped Minister Naji al Otri and Foreign Minister Walid al Moallem in in the midst of budgetary difficulties and Damascus. demanding and new priorities. During that visit, the President met with key Congressional leaders and made a powerful pitch for our He personally conveyed the Philippine Government’s appreciation veterans. for the valuable support and cooperation of the two countries for the safe repatriation of about 10,000 Filipino expatriates from Section 1002, Title X of the Stimulus Bill also Lebanon during the July 2006 Hizbullah-Israel war. known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, recognizes the His meetings with the military service of our veterans and grants a highest officials of the lump-sum of $15,000 for US-based veterans and Arab States were $9,000 for those living in the Philippines. likewise intended to enhance the With the passage of the bill containing provisions on Filipino veterans, the United interaction of the States honors its promise to the Philippines, Philippines with the one of its staunchest allies. The passage of this Organization of the bill further cements and strengthens the Islamic Conference foundations of our deep and historic and the Arab League partnership. as Lebanon and Syria are members of these I am very grateful to our supporters in the US organizations. It is Congress who I met and held dialogues over the hoped that interface years.I thank our steadfast supporters in the with these key players U.S. Congress particularly Sen. Daniel Inouye will redound to the and Sen. Daniel Akaka, as well as Sen. Harry benefit of all Filipino Reid, Sen. Richard Lugar, former Sen. Ted Stevens, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Bob Filner, Muslims and our quest Rep. Darrell Issa and Rep. Mike Honda and all for peace in the those who had been fighting on behalf of our Southern Philippines. Filipino veterans, particularly the members of the Philippine-US Friendship Caucus. Secretary Romulo calls on Lebanese President Michel Sleiman in Beirut (top) and on Syrian President Bashar Assad (bottom) I would also like to thank all our supporters in the Filipino-American community and most of all, our Filipino World War Two veterans who never gave up the fight.

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Philippine Embassy News

Philippine- India Travel Exchange Held in Manila

Forty seven travel agents and seven media representatives from India participated in “Philindex”, the first ever Philippine-India Travel Exchange, a travel trade and tourism event organized by the Philippine Department of Tourism. Philindex, which was held in Manila from January 25 to 31, 2009, aimed to educate the Indian travel trade and media about Philippines as a tourist destination.

“According to the Philippine Department of Tourism, Indian travellers love visiting beaches in Philippines, but more than that it is the shopping, which will thrill them the most considering the fact that Philippines is considered as one of the best shopping destinations in the world,” said Shilpa Sethi, General Manager of the Philippine Tourism Representative Office in India.

Talking about its focus during the promotion, Sethi informed that DoT of Philippines will try to lure Indian travellers through options in various segments like MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), Wellness and Shopping Tourism.

Riaz Munshi, Managing Director of N. Chirag Travels said that “Philindex provided a very good platform to meet local inbound agents and hoteliers as it gave an opportunity to identify and choose product suppliers. I am very confident that the Philippines will become a hot destination for Indians shortly. The unique selling propositions of the Philippines as a destination are its people who are nice, friendly, hospitable and full of warmth. There is no language barrier in the Philippines as it is an English speaking country.

Philippine Airlines Appoint General Sales Agent for India

Mr. Subash Goyal has been recently appointed by Philippine Airlines as its General Sales Agent for India. Subhash Goyal is the founder Chairman of STIC Travel Group of Companies, which he started in 1973, one of the largest travel businesses in India, with 40 offices having over 450 employees.

He was unanimously elected as the President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators for 6 years in a row (1995-2000). He has also been an honorary member of various Government bodies including the Tourism Board of Government of India, U.P. Tourism Board. Haryana Tourism Board, Government Courtesy Call by Mr. Goyal on Ambassador Francisco Benedicto Institute of Tourism and Travel Management Gwalior, Airport Authority of India and the (left to right): Deputy Chief of Mission Aileen Bugarin, Mr. Subash Hotel classification committee. Goyal, Ambassador Benedicto, 2nd Secretary and Consul Iric Arribas and; 3rd Secretary and Vice Consul Catherine Torres

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ASEAN New Delhi Committee welcomes Ambassador Benedicto

The ASEAN New Delhi Committee (ANDC) held its 85th Meeting on 28 January 2009 at the Tapti Hall of Shangri-La Hotel, New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Hj Sidek Ali, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam and outgoing ANDC Chairman.

The meeting brought together the Heads of Mission of the 10 ASEAN member-States in New Delhi. Ambassador Francisco L. Benedicto, who was attending his first ANDC session, was warmly welcomed by his counterparts.

The meeting served as an opportunity for the ASEAN Ambassadors to update each other about their respective Missions’ activities. Ambassador Benedicto informed the gathering about the conduct of the Inaugural Meeting of the RP-India Joint Working Group on Agricultural Cooperation, and the 10th Meeting of the RP-India Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment, on 21 August and 21-22 November 2008, respectively, in New Delhi.

The Ambassador also informed his counterparts about the assignment of a Philippine Commercial Attaché in India, in the person of Mr. Vichael Angelo D. Roaring, on 11 November 2008.

At the end of the meeting, High Commissioner Ali handed over the ANDC chairmanship to H.E. Andi Muhammad Ghalib, the Ambassador of Indonesia.

Philippine Air Force Commanding General Visits India

The Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Lieutenant General Oscar H Rabena AFP, visited Bangalore, Karnataka on 11 to 13 February 2009 to attend Aero-India 2009, Asia’s premier Air-Show. Defence Minister A K Antony formally inaugurated the event in the presence of union and state officials and other top dignitaries. The show aimed to bring under one roof, exhibitors from all around the globe to showcase the best in aviation, including both flight and static displays of a wide range of civil and military aircrafts from leading manufacturers, vendors and suppliers. The Chiefs of the Air Forces of fifty (50) friendly nations were invited by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India in cooperation with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).

Gen. Rabena was accompanied by Col. Jeffrey H Delgado, the Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Plans, A5, of the Philippine Air Force. Col. Alex C Capiña, Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché in New Delhi, accompanied the delegation and provided assistance during their stay in Bangalore. CG, PAF was able to interact with Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, Chief of the Indian Air Force and other Ministry of Defence officials.

LtGen Rabena with Col. Alex Capiña and Col. Jeffrey Delgado in front of an SU-30 MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force, which was on display and performed aerobatic maneuvers during Aero-India 2009.

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ODAFA participates in Defense Attaché Spouses’ Morning Coffee

Ms. Noelita E. Aguilar (rightmost, first row), Attaché of the Philippine Embassy, represented the Philippines in the Morning Coffee activity of the Defense Attaché Spouses Association in India (DASAI) as the defense attachés of the ASEAN countries took their turn to host the event on 22 January 2009 at the Jaypee Vasant Continental Hotel, New Delhi.

As part of the Morning Coffee, Ms. Aguilar donned a traditional baro’t saya and joined the representatives of the other ASEAN countries in showcasing a representative national delicacy— puto, for the Philippines—for a food tasting by the 85 ladies from different countries who make up DASAI.

Five Filipino students tour India with ASEAN counterparts

Five Filipino college students were among the 50 youths from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) who were invited to take a study tour of India by the Indian Government and the Chamber of Indian Industries (CII) from 22 March to 2 April 2009.

Julius Cesar Trajano from the University of the Philippines, Morris Jose Kirby Catabian from the University of Santo Tomas, and Maricar Principe, Joan Kristine Chua and Cherry May Moreno from Miriam College were the Philippines’ participants in the study tour.

The program, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Cebu City during his attendance in the 5th ASEAN-India Summit in January 2007, provides for India’s hosting of 10 students from each of the 10 member countries of ASEAN on a trip of sights and sounds of modern and ancient India.

The first batch of 100 students visited Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra in 2007. A second batch of 50 students visited Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in 2008. This year’s batch, which included five students from each ASEAN country, visited Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The annual program includes visits to Indian institutes of technology and management, factories, educational sites, IT parks, and places of historical and cultural interest to enable them to have a firsthand experience of India, as well as to talk and interact with their Indian counterparts. CII hosted a reception for this year’s delegates on 28 March at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, wherein the participants gave presentations about their respective countries.

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Courtesy Calls and Receptions

ASEAN Ambassadors celebrate the 25th National Day Anniversary of Brunei Darussalam

Top left: Heads of Mission of the ASEAN countries (left to right) Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore

Top right: Ambassador and Mrs. Benedicto with Brunei High Commissioner and Mrs. Hj Sidek Ali

Left: Mrs. Benedicto with her fellow ladies of the diplomatic corps

Courtesy call by Ambassador Yous Makana of Cambodia (left), Farewell call of Ambassador Durgesh Man Singh of Nepal (middle); Courtesy call by Ambassador Boris Velic of Croatia (right)

ASEAN Ladies Circle meeting hosted by Ambassador Benedicto on 31st January 2009 (left); Ambassador and Mrs. Benedicto with Ambassador and Mrs. Raouf Chatty of Tunisia during the latter's National Day celebration; Ambassador (middle) and Mrs. Benedicto with Ambassador and Mrs. Borislav Kostov of the Republic of Bulgaria at the National Day reception hosted by the latter (right).

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Other Embassy Activities Ambassador Benedicto welcomes 2009 with the The Embassy welcomes a new addition to its Filipino community in New staff with the arrival of Mr . Luis Rillo Delhi Rebagoda , Consular Assistant and Attaché,

on 26 March 2009. Luis joined the Department of Foreign Affairs as a Clerk in the Office of American Affairs in 1999. In 2001, he received an Outstanding Employee Award. New Delhi is his first foreign assignment. Luis graduated from the University of the East in 1998, with a degree in Political Science.

Ambassador Benedicto presents a plaque of appreciation to Mr. Ramil Arana in recognition of his exemplary performance during his six-year posting in New Delhi.

Ambassador Benedicto with Ms. Chloe Wong of the Foreign Service Institute in Manila, who was in New Delhi to attend a month-long course under the auspices of Research Information Systems.

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Announcements

SEARCH FOR THE 1st 18 DECEMBER AWARDS NOW OPEN OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING REGISTRATION The Inter-Agency Committee for the Celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day in the Philippines is Para sa ating mga kababayan na may formally opening the nominations for the 1st 18 December Awards . edad 18 pataas na nais bumoto dito sa In line with the celebration of the International Migrants Day held India sa darating na National Elections every December 18, the 18 December Awards intends to honor nitong Mayo 2010, at hindi pa rehistrado annually, individuals and associations (based abroad or the Philippines) bilang Overseas Absentee Voter (OAV), that contributed significantly to the protection of the rights and mangyari po lamang na magsadya sa welfare of Filipino migrants and their families. Philippine Embassy dala ang inyong pasaporte upang kayo ay The Awards, which shall be conferred to a maximum of six individuals/ associations every year, has two categories: Philippine category and makapagparehistro. overseas category. Their achievements should include:

Hanggang 31 August 2009 • outstanding or significant service or contribution toward the po kayo makakapagparehistro, subalit protection of the rights of Filipino migrants; and mas maigi kung mas maaga, sakaling may • dedication and commitment to advocate for the rights of Filipino migrants kailangan pa'ng ayusin sa inyong records. Wala nga po palang bayad ito. Deadline for submission of nomination documents is on or before 30 July 2009 . Nominations sent by mail must be postmarked not later Tawag lang po kayo sa (011) 2688-9091 than the date of the deadline. para sa anumang katanungan at hanapin si Vice Consul Catherine Torres. Nomination forms for the awards may be downloaded at the official websites of Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (IAC Chair) and Commission on Filipinos Overseas (IAC co-chair) at www.pmrw.org and Maraming salamat at huwag po sana www.cfo.gov.ph , respectively. nating sayangin ang ating karapatang bumoto. For more information, please contact the Awards Secretariat at:

Philippine Migrants Rights Watch c/o Scalabrini Migration Center 4, 13th Street, New Manila, Quezon City 1112 Philippines Tel. Nos: (632) 724-3512, 724-3513; Fax No: (632) 721-4296 E-mail: [email protected]

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