Del Rosario meets with Filipinos in Argentina

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario capped his two-day visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina on August 25 by having a dinner-meeting with the members of the Filipino Community in Argentina and the Philippine Madrigal Singers (MADZ) at the Philippine Embassy.

Leading the well-wishers were the two most senior members of the Filipino Community, Mr. Emiliano Fernández, a former seafarer, and Ms. Marilú Escudero-Comas, daughter of the first Philippine envoy to Argentina, Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Manuel Escudero, as well as MADZ Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio. A good number of Filipino religious missionaries in Argentina and second generation Filipinos also came.

The meeting was organized by the Philippine Embassy in order to give the Filipinos residing in Buenos Aires, as well as the visiting Philippine Madrigal Singers, the chance to personally meet and greet Secretary del Rosario after his successful participation in the 5^th Forum for East Asia and Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Also present at the event were members of the Philippine delegation to the FEALAC meetings, Undersecretary Erlinda F. Basilio, Assistant Secretary Patricia Ann Paez, Director Gines Gallaga and Principal Assistant Monika Limpo.

In his speech before the Filipino Community, Secretary del Rosario pointed out how proud he is of the country’s “modern-day heroes” for their valuable contribution to nation-building. He expressed his admiration for their sacrifices and hard work which has earned a good reputation for Filipinos abroad. He also assured them that the presenta administration gives importance to the protection of their rights and the promotion of their welfare.

The Secretary underscored the Aquino administration’s commitment to good governance and transparency in public service and highlighted that the President’s top agenda is poverty alleviation. The government is now working hard to attract foreign direct investments to create jobs for Filipinos. In addition, the Philippines is now very much active in promoting tourism. He also explained the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers also rendered a short repertory of songs to the delight of the Secretary and the Filipino Community.

The Secretary commended the choral group for the series of nine concerts they are presently undertaking in Argentina, as well as in Paraguay and Uruguay, which not only earn accolades for the group but have also projected a lasting positive impression of Philippine culture among the peoples of Latin America. He called them the country’s Ambassadors of Goodwill.