20 September 2010 

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ernesto H. De Leon welcomes and shares a candid moment with Australian Senator Kate Lundy, a special guest at the Philippine Embassy Welcome Reception held on 17 September 2010 at the Philippine Embassy Residence for delegates to the 11th National Conference of the Filipino Community Council of Australia (FILCCA).

Ambassador De Leon (third from left) poses with Senator Lundy (fourth from left), Ms. Florence Talbo Parker, FILCAA President (fourth from right) and other delegates to the 11th FILCCA National Conference.
 

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ernesto H. De Leon praised the Filipino community in Australia for positively contributing to both the Philippines and Australia and for nurturing a sustained and fruitful partnership with said countries’ governments during a reception he hosted for the guests and delegates of the 11th National Conference of the Filipino Community Council of Australia (FILCCA) on 17 September 2010 at the Philippine Embassy Residence. 

Calling the Filipino community members “our partners in the Philippines’ socio-economic development and our ambassadors of goodwill who strengthen the bridges of amity with Australia,” the Ambassador thanked the delegates for remaining “Filipinos at heart” although they had already made Australia their second home. 

Touching on the theme of the 11th National Conference “Collaboration to Achieve Social Inclusion,” Ambassador De Leon said that “to move forward the Filipino community in Australia must unite and cooperate in order to reach its goal of social inclusion.” 

Beyond inclusion, what is equally important is that Filipinos are able to positively contribute to the development of both our motherland, the Philippines and their adopted second home, Australia.” Ambassador De Leon said.   

In recognition of the Filipino community’s contributions and with their best interest in mind, he reiterated the Philippine Government’s unwavering commitment to reach out and bring timely and improved consular services and assistance wherever Filipinos are. 

I am confident, however, that with our collective and unwavering commitment to our Inang Bayan, we will be able to surmount all obstacles as we accomplish greater things for our country and people.  As Filipinos, this is our duty to our country and our forebears and our legacy to our posterity,” the Ambassador said.