UK amends Travel Advisory to Expanded Areas in Mindanao
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The Philippine Embassy in London reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that the British
government has again amended its travel advisory to the Philippines allowing “essential travels” to most parts
of Mindanao.
In May 2009, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) amended its travel advisory to the
Philippines by lifting travel restrictions to the “east side of Mindanao.”
The latest travel advisory, issued by the UK FCO on July 12, expanded the allowable areas for travel to include
all parts of Mindanao except Southwest Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. These areas include the
provinces of Sarangani, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and
Zamboanga Sibugay.
The UK’s latest amendment reflected its improving outlook for Mindanao. After three years of banning all travel
to the region, the FCO revised its travel advisories following representations from the Philippine Embassy in
London.
Early this July, a high-level delegation from the DFA and the Philippine Embassy met with FCO officials in
London to request the British government to modify its advisory for Mindanao and allow British travelers to
explore top tourism destinations there.
The latest amendment is expected to encourage more British investors and tourists to visit the Philippines.
British travelers remain the largest European market for Philippine tourism. A total of 87,422 Britons visited the
country in 2008, registering a 9.73 percent growth from the previous year.
Eco-tourism is of particular importance to the British market, especially for bird watching. The UK is home to
some two million birdwatchers, which led Tourism Secretary Ace Durano to launch a bird-watching campaign
in London in December 2008.
The complete Travel Advisory is accessible online at the UK FCO website www.fco.gov.uk. END
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Making History Happen: RP Embassy in Brussels Resumes Operations in Avenue
Louise
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The Philippine Embassy in Brussels moved to temporary offices while renovations are being effected on the
newly-purchased chancery located at 297 Avenue Molière.
For more than eight years, the Philippine Embassy rented the premises in Avenue Molière. In December 2008,
however, the Philippine Government finally purchased the property as the permanent site of the Philippine
Embassy and Mission in Brussels.
From this site, the Government will conduct its diplomatic relations not only with Belgium and Luxembourg but
with the European Communities as well. The chancery will also continue to house its consular offices to serve
the passport and other documentary requirements of the Filipinos.
“I am very proud that we finally own our chancery in Brussels. By owning our own building we have achieved a
sense of permanence that will help improve our relations with these countries and better serve the Filipino
community,” Ambassador Ortega remarked.
The new office is accessible with three tram lines and a metro. The Embassy’s contact details are as follows:
Telephone numbers: (+32) 023403377, (+32) 0488609177, (+32) 023403373 to 74 (consular matters)
Email: brussels@philembassy.be or brusselspe@gmail.com
The Philippines established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Belgium on 4 July 1946, with the Grand
Duchy of Luxembour on 26 August 1946, and with the European Communities on 12 May 1964.
The offices of the Agricultural Attaché and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office also transferred to the same
building. END
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RP Embassy in Pretoria Shows Philippine Films
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Award-winning film “Baler” by Mark Meily was shown at the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria on July 12,
Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Prior to the screening, Dr. Arminda Vallejo Santiago, Professor and Director of the Film Institute of the
University of the Philippines, gave an annotation of the film. Dr. Santiago represented the Philippines in the
field of film at the recently concluded National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa and passed by
Pretoria for this film-showing.
“Baler” is an official entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival and garnered major awards including Best
Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actress. This film is endorsed by the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Aside from “Baler”, a short animation film entitled “Atog-atog” from the University of the Philippines, courtesy of
Dr. Santiago, was also shown. “Atog-atog” focuses on environmental preservation.
This project was initiated by the Embassy to build a stronger camaraderie among Filipinos in the country and
to introduce Philippine history, culture and the beliefs to its host country and the local community, through this
art form. END
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Filipinos in Mallorca celebrate 111th Anniversary of Philippine Independence
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Philippine Consul General in Barcelona Eduardo de Vega reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that
Philippine Honorary Consul in Mallorca, Juan Torrente Blanch, led the Filipino community in Mallorca in
celebrations commemorating the 111th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day.
The island of Mallorca, a popular vacation spot in the Mediterranean, hosts around 1,000 to 1,500 Filipinos,
who are mostly employed in the thriving tourism industry.
Held on June 13, the celebrations started with a Mass held at the famous Cathedral (Seu) of Palma de
Mallorca, officiated by local Bishop Jesús Murgui.
It was followed by a celebration at the Casa Solleric de Palma, where local Filipinos performed traditional
Filipino songs and dances, and various young Filipinas were named Queen of Hope, Queen of Charity, Queen
of Love, and Queen of Flowers.
The event was attended by local officials and celebrities. Mr. Torrente Blanch was awarded by city officials with
a special statue (Estatua de Ramón Llull) in appreciation for his long service as Honorary Consul.
Upon the request of the local Filipino community, plans are underway for a consular mission to be undertaken
later this month by officials and staff from the consulate. END
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