Ambassador Anota thanks the SAFSI officers for their commitment to support the Embassy's initiatives

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen F. Anota received the Sydney Australian Filipino Seniors, Inc. (SAFSI) officers at the Philippine Embassy today and had a lively dialogue with the seniors from New South Wales, Australia.  Calling the Filipino seniors “sugo” (ambassadors), Ambassador Anota encouraged the officers of SAFSI, led by its President, Mr. Julio A. Sanchez to continue working with the Philippine Embassy as partners in promoting the Philippines in Australia and in being role models for the Filipino youth.

“We are all ambassadors.  We count on you to be one with us, to partner with us in promoting the Philippines.  We also look to you as role models in mentoring and advicing the Filipino youth on the good traits of the Filipinos,” Ambassador Anota said.

Ambassador Anota expressed pleasure in meeting the SAFSI officers and gave assurances that the Embassy’s doors are open to them for whatever assistance they may need.  She encouraged SAFSI to work in close partnership with the Embassy, saying that “we will also benefit from your advice.”

Speaking on behalf of SAFSI, Mr. Sanchez wished Ambassador Anota all the best during her tour of duty in Australia and said she could count on their support for the Embassy’s initiatives.

The Embassy took the opportunity during the meeting to update SAFSI on the latest developments concerning the proposed Social Security Agreement between the Philippines and Australia.  The Agreement is envisioned to allow Filipinos to receive the social security benefits they enjoy in Australia in the Philippines. 

As with her meeting with the Filipino community leaders the day before, Ambassador Anota informed the Filipino seniors of the Rizal monument project in Campbelltown, New South Wales and requested them to donate “sampaguita,” the Philippine national flower, which would be planted around the statue of the Philippine national hero.

She also requested the seniors to spread the word and encourage eligible Filipinos to register as overseas absentee voters for the May 2013 Senatorial and Party List Representatives elections.

In support of the Aquino administration’s focus on economic development, the Ambassador asked the seniors to help the Embassy by encouraging their friends to buy Philippine-made products, to invest and trade with the Philippines and to visit the Philippines’ exciting and beautiful tourism sites.