Philippine Ambassador to Portugal urges Filipino community in Algarve for deeper diaspora engagement
23 September, Lisbon - Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Paul Raymund P. Cortes met with leaders and members of the Filipino community in the Algarve region during a Meet and Greet on 22 September 2024 at the Eva Senses Hotel in Faro. This was the first time the Filipinos of Southern Portugal had ever organized such a gathering for any Philippine Ambassador. The event gathered approximately 60 Filipino community members and their spouses, from various parts of the Algarve region, including Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira, Albufeira, Portimão, Lagos, and Aljezur.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Cortes expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the members of the Filipino community in Algarve. Ambassador Cortes reminded the members of the Filipino community the importance of active participation in community-building initiatives. He underscored the Embassy´s role in promoting the Philippine government's top foreign policy priorities including nurturing the Filipino diaspora as productive members of society that create meaningful and positive contributions, both in their adopted country and their motherland.
Also in attendance were representatives of Portuguese companies and employers. Ambassador Cortes commended the invaluable contributions of the Filipino diaspora, from fostering business connections to strengthening people-to-people ties.
Ambassador Cortes further reiterated the Embassy's commitment to delivering quality services to Filipinos abroad, through the provision of client-centered initiatives focused on assistance to nationals and consular services. A consular outreach program and overseas voters' registration were held simultaneously during the event. Community members availed of various consular services, including passport renewal, and overseas voter registration for the upcoming 2025 Philippine National elections.
The event also provided an opportunity for members of the Filipino community to engage in discussions concerning various issues, including immigration laws, assistance to nationals, consular and passport concerns, among many others. END
