Reports from Philippine Embassies and Consulates (As of 29 May 2009)
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Amman PE
* No reported case of A(H1N1) in Jordan.
* Post will continue to monitor developments.
Brunei PE
* No reported case of A(H1N1) in Brunei.
* Post attended a briefing for members of the diplomatic corps organized by Brunei Ministry of Health (MOH).
* MOH has implemented surveillance measures, thermal scanning and thermometer screening, which has
so far detected 56 suspected cases but laboratory confirmatory tests showed that these suspected cases
were found to be negative from A(H1N1).
* Post issued health advisory and updates for the Filipino community.
Hong Kong SAR PCG
* Seven reported laboratory confirmed cases of A(H1N1) in Hong Kong SAR.
* Post reminded the Filipino community in Hong Kong and those planning to visit the city to seriously observe
precautionary measures against the virus through text message broadcasts and the cooperation of Filipino
print and broadcast media partners.
Honolulu PCG
* 40 reported laboratory confirmed cases of A(H1N1) in Hawaii.
Singapore PE
* First reported laboratory confirmed case of A(H1N1) in Singapore.
* No cases of Filipinos getting infected with the disease in Singapore.
Sydney PCG
* 51 reported laboratory confirmed cases of A(H1N1) Australia.
* No cases of Filipinos getting infected with the disease in Australia.
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DFA Secretary Romulo Reiterates RP’s Commitment to Peace
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29 May 2009 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo reaffirmed the Philippines’ enduring commitment
to peace during the special commemoration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers at the Department
of Foreign Affairs (DFA) today.
“As we pay tribute to the noble sacrifices of all UN peacekeepers, we reaffirm our enduring and collective
commitment to building world peace,” Secretary Romulo said in his keynote speech.
Secretary Romulo supported the view that peacekeeping operations must have mandates guided by a
common vision to deal with challenges through the cooperation between Troop and Police Contributing
Countries and the UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO).
Given this year’s theme of greater involvement by women in UN peacekeeping missions, Secretary Romulo
said that the Philippines will endeavor to increase its female deployment to UN peacekeeping missions.
Secretary Romulo highlighted the Philippines’ contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.
“Filipino peacekeepers are recognized by the United Nations for their outstanding performance and tireless
commitment to maintain global peace and security,” Secretary Romulo said.
In appreciation for UN peacekeepers efforts to maintain peace and stability, Secretary Romulo said that “a
proud and grateful Filipino nation once again remembers our UN peacekeepers for their selfless, fearless
and efficient dedication to the promotion of peace in conflict-torn countries far from our beloved homeland.”
“We especially honour all Peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their lives in the
performance of their sacred duties,” he further stated.
During the event, the Dag Hammarskjold Medal was presented to Immaculate Batalla, the widow of Philippine
Army officer Lt. Col. Renerio Batalla who died of malaria on 24 October 2008 while serving with the UN
Mission in Sudan.
The Dag Hammarskjold Medal is a posthumous award to members of peacekeeping operations who lost
their lives during service with a peacekeeping operation under the operational control and authority of the
United Nations.
On 16 April 2009, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 1755 declaring May 29 of each
year as the “International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in the Philippines” pursuant to United Nations
General Assembly Resolution 57/129 of 2002.
The Philippines is the third largest troop contributor in Southeast Asia and is ranked 30th in the world.
The Philippines has sent peacekeeping missions all over the world beginning with the air force deployment in
support of the UN Mission in the Congo in 1963. Subsequent mission were sent in Afghanistan, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, Georgia, Haiti, Iraq, Kosovo, Liberia, Nepal, Sudan and Timor-Leste.
In October 2008, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo signed
the Memorandum of Understanding allowing the Philippines to participate in the UN Standby Arrangement
System (UNSAS) to provide resources for peacekeeping operations within agreed response times. END
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Los Angeles PCG celebrates “Pambansang Araw ng Watawat”
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29 May 2009 – Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon (center), with the officers and staff of the Philippine
Consulate General in Los Angeles and the general public in attendance, sings the Philippine national anthem
to celebrate “Pambansang Araw ng Watawat” (National Flag Day) at the Rizal Hall of the Consulate on 28 May
2009. The National Flag Day serves as the kick-off event to commemorate the 111th Anniversary of Philippine
Independence on 12 June 2009. END
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Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra Debut
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29 May 2009 – The Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the first Filipino symphony orchestra
outside of the Philippines, held its first concert on 17 May 2009 at the Saban Theatre (formerly Wilshire
Theatre Beverly Hills) located at the heart of Beverly Hills, California. Co-produced by the Asian Journal
Foundation, Inc. and the Beverly Hills Performing Arts Center, the gala night performance was attended by a
jam-packed crowd of Filipinos, Filipino-Americans and mainstream Americans. FASO, which has Robert
“Bob” Shroder as music director, is composed of around 60 musicians, all of Filipino descent.
Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon (2nd from left) was at hand to witness the performance of FASO.
Also present during the reception was American composer and pianist David Benoit. Community leader Ms.
Mylah de Leon (leftmost) and Ms. Thelma Calabio (rightmost), Editor-in-Chief of Philippine Times and
Publisher of Famegate Magazine, also congratulated the orchestra on its debut. END
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