Pinoy News-Balita

Washington Policy Community Welcomes New PH Envoy to US

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Government officials of the United States of America, members of the Washington foreign diplomatic corps, business community leaders, and other sectoral partners welcomed new Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez at a reception held on 07 December 2017 at the Embassy’s historic Chancery Annex building.

“My assumption as Ambassador is timely as President Trump just completed his first trip to Asia, which culminated in the Philippines. The Philippines and the region are pleased with the reassuring commitment of President Trump and the US to Asia and ASEAN. The Philippines is also very pleased with the positive meeting between our two Presidents,” Ambassador Romualdez said in his remarks.

He added, “The rapport between President Duterte and President Trump was evident and that rapport, together with the joint statement both our sides issued, reaffirms and strengthens the foundation for Philippines-US relations to develop further. Certainly, it provides me the guidance as I set out to engage all of the Embassy’s stakeholders.”

A veteran journalist and media business executive, Ambassador Romualdez was appointed as the emissary of the Philippines to the United States of America by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in July. He presented his letter of credence to President Donald J. Trump on 29 November 2017 at The White House, thus formally completing the process of accreditation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the US.

“I intend to secure a deeper partnership with the US that injects dynamism in our economic, security, and people-to-people relationships. This deeper partnership I speak of is more than aspirational. I will ensure that the relationship evolves into one that is more pro-active and responsive to our common interests and concerns,” Ambassador Romualdez told the audience.

Among the esteemed guests are Ambassador Nathan Alexander Sales; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Joseph Felter III; Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA); and Representative Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam).

The reception also showcased world-class Filipino musical talent as Filipino-American soprano Teresa Ferrara and concert pianist and tenor Carlos Ibay serenaded the guests with their outstanding rendition of “Ave Maria”; Filipino kundiman “Pakiusap”; and the upbeat yuletide carol “Winter Wonderland”. END

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez delivers his remarks at a reception marking his formal introduction to the Washington policy community held at the Philippine Chancery in the evening of 07 December 2017

 

Illinois State Medical Society Alliance awards Riza Community Center (FACC) health grant initiative!

Thank you, Illinois State Medical Society Alliance! “…we extend our Congratulations for being one of our ISMSA recipients of the health grant initiative.The Alliance is the most important organization that represent the family of medicine in the Unites States. The Illinois State Medical Society Alliance applauds the Rizal Community Center in their health projects for Seniors that makes a difference in our communities.” Elaine Lehman Executive Director Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago

Benilda Hizon, ISMA Membership Chair; FACC’s Dr. Rufino F. Crisostomo, Board Officer & Immediate Past Chair; Elaine Lehman, Executive Director; Alex Gonzales, Chair of the FACC Board of Directors

 

Advisory to The Filipino Community in the Midwest and Parts of Southern U.S.

The Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago wishes to advise all members of the Filipino community in the Midwest and parts of the South that the UN International Open University of Humanity, Health Science and Peace (UNIOUHHSP) is NOT a UN accredited Civil Society organization and is using the name and emblem of the UN in a fraudulent manner. Members of the Filipino community may wish to exercise caution and prudence and conduct thorough research and verification of credentials of any learning institution prior to enrollment. For institutions claiming affiliation with regional and international organizations, the public is encouraged to inquire directly with said organizations and verify their authenticity and bona fides before engaging in transactions with them. END

 

Liter of Light Global Foundation Visits the Consulate General, Conducts Workshop on Building Solar Lantern Circuits

Consul General Generoso DG Calonge, together with the officers and staff members of the Consulate General in Chicago, warmly received the members of the Liter of Light Global Foundation at the Kalayaan Hall of the PCG on 29 November 2017. Considered as an official program of the UNESCO International Day of Light, the Liter of Light is a global, grassroots movement committed to providing affordable and sustainable solar lighting to people with limited or no access to electricity in over thirty (30) countries around the world. From November until December of this year, the Liter of Light is embarking on the “Journey of Light: The Great American Expedition.” The six-member team is traveling across thirteen states in the United States to train youth and students to build solar lights for marginalized communities and raise awareness on sustainable development. Mr. Illac Angelo Diaz, the Executive Director of the Liter of Light Global Foundation, conducted a one (1) hour solar light workshop on building solar lantern circuits with PCG officers and staff members. He was assisted by Mr. Chito Neri. The solar lamps that will be collected by Liter of Light during their journey in the United States will be donated to the people in Marawi in December. END

Mr. Illac Angelo Diaz, the Executive Director of the Liter of Light Global Foundatio, provided a one (1) hour solar light workshop on how to build a solar lantern circuits to PCG officers and staff members. (Photos Courtesy of Mr. Arnel Santiago)