PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

07 May 2026, BROOME - Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio Morales, together with Dr. Deborah Ruiz Wall, Author of “Reimagining Australia: Voices of Indigenous Australians of Filipino Descent”, and Mr. Kevin Puertollano, descendant of Manilaman Thomas Puertollano from Marinduque and a Yawuru Elder, met with Broome Shire President Chris Mitchell JP and Shire Director of Infrastructure Jeremy Hall to discuss opportunities to further recognize and promote the legacy of the Manilamen, as part of the commemorative activities marking the 80th anniversary of Philippines- Australia diplomatic relations.

The Manilamen were pioneering Filipino seafarers and labour migrants who travelled across global maritime routes and helped establish some of the earliest Filipino communities outside the Philippines. They arrived in Australia in the 19th century and made significant contributions to the development of Broome’s maritime and pearling industries.

Ambassador Morales welcomed the Shire’s openness to cooperation in identifying and preserving historical records on the Manilamen, and in exploring initiatives that honour their contributions to Broome and to the shared history of Australia and the Philippines. He highlighted the enduring socio-economic contributions of Filipinos to the region, from the pioneering Manilamen to the contemporary Filipino-Australian community.

Shire President Mitchell spoke warmly of the Filipino community in Broome and acknowledged the important role of Manilamen descendant Mr. Kevin Puertollano, whom he described as a valued pillar of the local community.

During his visit, Ambassador Morales also met with Manilamen descendant, fine art photographer, poet, and artist Michael Jaluru Torres, with whom he exchanged views on ways to further elevate and preserve the stories and contributions of Manilamen descendants in Broome.

Ambassador Morales also visited the Broome Cemetery, where Manilamen and their descendants are interred, as part of a broader reflection on their historical presence in the region.

The Ambassador also visited the Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga Yawuru Language Centre which is dedicated to documenting and revitalizing the Yawuru language (Yawuru ngan-ga). Through the development of educational resources and partnerships with local schools, the Centre helps bring Yawuru language and culture to up to 1,500 primary school students in Broome each year.

For more information on the Manilamen, visit the virtual exhibit on the Embassy’s official website entitled “Beyond Borders: Voices of Indigenous Australians of Filipino Descent” at https://cultural.philembassy.org.au/phinau/beyond-borders . -END

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