Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen F. Anota encouraged leaders of Filipino community organizations in Canberra to be ambassadors of goodwill during her inaugural meeting with them at the Philippine Embassy today.   

She thanked the leaders for the warm reception and assured them of the Embassy’s assistance in furthering the Philippine interests in Australia. 

The Ambassador solicited support for the erection of the statue of the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal in Campbelltown, New South Wales.  In particular, she requested the community’s help in donating sampaguita, the Philippine national flower, which would be planted around the monument.

Ambassador Anota also requested the leaders’ support in disseminating information on the continuing Overseas Absentee Voting registration that would enable eligible Filipinos to participate in the process of nation building.

Given the economic diplomacy thrust of the Aquino administration, the Ambassador asked the Filipino community to work in partnership with the Embassy in promoting trade, tourism and investments and inviting their friends to visit and discover what the Philippines has to offer. 

Present during the meeting were Ms. Perlita Swinbank, President of the Filipino Community Council of the ACT; Ms. Cecilia Flores, Coordinator of the Sampaguita Ladies; Mr. Modesto Umali, Chairman of the FilCom Sports Club, Inc.; Mr. Ian Bull, President of the Rondanihan; Mr. Norman Kalagayan, Coordinator of the Filipino International Community Fellowship; Ms. Elizabet Garrett, President of the ACT Filipino Australian Social & Cultural Association; Ms. Geraldine Ivankovic, President of the Fil Oz Youth Group; Mr. Sorin Clenci, Director of the Pinoy Football Aid; Mr. Alberto De Jesus, President of the Philippine-Australian Association of the ACT and the Monaro Region; Ms. Feding Donaghue, President of the Philippine Cultural Society; and Mr. Ronnie Bautista, Area Coordinator of ANCOP Canberra.