PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

27 May 2026, CANBERRA - Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio Morales welcomed a delegation of Filipino journalists visiting Australia under the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) International Media Visit (IMV) Program, an initiative that seeks to engage foreign media representatives to promote a deeper understanding of Australia and its foreign, trade, and development objectives.

The visiting media delegation was composed of Ms. Vina Araneta-Pilapil (PTV Davao), Ms. Ma. Belen Lim (The Northern Forum), Ms. Maria Elena Catajan (North Luzon Monitor), Mr. Nikko Sereno (Balitang Bisdak, GMA-7), Ms. Annie Fe Perez Gallardo (ABS-CBN Cebu), Ms. Celeste Anna Formoso (Palawan News), and Ms. Pia Castro Medenilla (Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation).

During their engagement, Ambassador Morales discussed the growth of Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership as both countries commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations. He highlighted the breadth of bilateral cooperation across defense and security, economic growth, education, and people-to-people links and underscored the shared commitment to advancing regional stability and prosperity.

Ambassador Morales also emphasized the significant role and contributions of the Filipino diaspora in Australia and noted their importance in deepening and fostering greater mutual understanding and connection.

As part of the IMV Program, the journalists participated in a series of visits and briefings that provided insights into Australia's institutions and multicultural engagement. Prior to their meeting with Ambassador Morales, the delegation visited DFAT and its Emergency Crisis Response Centre, and met with officials from the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney.

The journalists also visited SBS, Australia's multicultural and multilingual public broadcaster, where they learned about the country's approach to serving diverse communities through inclusive media. In addition, the delegation toured HMAS Canberra at the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet Base East in Sydney, gaining firsthand exposure to the vessel's facilities, operations, and the daily responsibilities of its officers and crew.

The visit provided valuable opportunities for dialogue and exchange and contributed to a deeper appreciation of Philippines-Australia cooperation among Philippine media practitioners. -END

#PHAU80YEARS🇵🇭🇦🇺