Arrangements for Media Coverage of The 8th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD)
Ministerial Meeting October 2009
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka welcomes the participation of foreign media personnel, in addition to
the official media accompanying the delegates, to the 8th ACD Ministerial Meeting to be held in Colombo on15-
16 October 2009.
The participating foreign media personnel who would visit Sri Lanka to cover the ACD are also encouraged to
report on certain positive post-conflict developments which are currently underway in Sri Lanka.
In this connection, the following arrangements have been made to facilitate the work of the media personnel
who would be covering the above event:
1. All media personnel should obtain media accreditation and special pass from the Department of Government
Information. Please find annexed herewith the Media Registration Form for the 8th Asia Cooperation Dialogue
(ACD) Ministerial Meeting. (Annex-I). This Registration Form is also available on the Foreign Ministry website:
www.slmfa.gov.lk
2. The duly accomplished Media Registration Form should be forwarded to this Division with a covering letter
recommending the relevant application on or before 1st of October 2009 through their respective Missions.
3. Kindly inform the media personnel to submit two passport size color photographs, a letter of assignment from
the Editor/Head of Media Organization, along with the duly completed Media Registration form.
4. The Ministry has selected Hotel Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo (formally Hotel Trans Asia in Colombo 02) as
the official Hotel for media accommodation.
5. Media personnel who are visiting Sri Lanka to cover the ACD Ministerial Meeting should make reservations
only at the Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo.
6. A special room rate of US$100 inclusive of breakfast/service charge and taxes has been arranged by the
Cinnamon Lakeside Management. (Annex-II)
7. Accommodation and related costs should be borne by the respective media representatives. Those wishing
to upgrade the rooms reserved for them may do so by directly contacting Hotel Cinnamon Lakeside.
The details of the contact person at the Hotel Cinnamon Lakeside are as follows:
Mr. Alvin Jacobs
Sales Manager
115, Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha
Colombo 02
Tel : 00 94 11 2491000 or
Fax : 00 04 11 4714143 / 00
00 94 11 2499184
Email : alvinj@transasiahotel.com
alvinj@cinnomonhotels.com
8. It is strongly recommended that individual room reservation be made by media representatives as early as
possible to ensure availability of accommodation.
9. Accommodation may be reserved by the media representatives using the Form provided in (Annex – III) which
may be faxed or e-mailed directly to Hotel Cinnamon Lakeside with a copy to the ACD Conference Secretariat
marked to the attention of the Media Committee by fax on 0094 11 2446091 or 0094 11 2333450 or by e-mail to:
cipher@formin.gov.lk before 20th September 2009.
10. The visiting media personnel will be provided the following facilities:
i) Access to main Media Centre located at the conference Venue which would be equipped with computers /
internet / fax and telephone facilities.
ii) Access to the Mini Media Centre located at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel.
iii) Access to the Press Conference Venue
iv) Shuttle transport service from the Hotel to the Venue and back
11. Please inform the PC Division the details of technical assistance requirements such as satellite up linking
facilities etc. by the visiting media personnel if any, in order to make necessary arrangements.
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Defense Secretary Teodoro Recognizes Role of Ambassador Davide in RP’s
Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations
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Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro, Jr. presents a plaque to Ambassador Hilario G. Davide, Jr. in recognition
of his accomplishments as Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, particularly for his role
in helping expand Philippine participation in peacekeeping operations. Secretary Teodoro presented the plaque
at the Philippine Mission in New York shortly after his meeting with UN Undersecretary General for
Peacekeeping Allain Le Roy on Friday. (Philippine Mission Photo by Elmer Cato)
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66 Filipinos Arrived Today from Jeddah
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A group of 66 Filipinos arrived in Manila today after being repatriated by Saudi Arabia deportation authorities.
The group, consisting of 24 adults and 42 children, previously stayed under the Khandara bridge in Jeddah.
They arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 6 a.m.
The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah said another group, consisting of 62 Filipinas and three children,
is expected to be repatriated to Manila in the coming weeks.
There are 180 more Filipinos currently staying at the Saudi deportation center awaiting the processing of their
exit papers for deportation.
The Consulate General continues to monitor the immediate processing of their papers. END
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Secretary Romulo Confers, on behalf of President Arroyo, The Order of Sikatuna, Rank
of Datu, on Outgoing Czech Ambassador
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Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo confers, on behalf of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Order
of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu, on outgoing Czech Ambassador H.E. Jaroslav Ludva for his “significant contribution
to the enhancement of Philippines and Czech Republic relations”.
Ambassador Ludva raised the level of bilateral relations in the political area by arranging high-level visits to the
Philippines by various Czech officials, including notably that of Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer this month,
Director General for Non-European Countries and Development Cooperation of the Czech Ministry JaKub Karfik
in April 2009, and Deputy Foreign Minister Helena Bambasova in January 2008. He also arranged the visit of
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo to Prague in September 2008.
In March 2006, he organized the first ever meeting of the Mayor of Calamba with the Mayor of Litomerice since
the sister-city agreement was signed in 1974. He also initiated the signing of the Sisterhood Agreement
between Dapitan and Litomerice in October 2006.
He supported the work of the European member states to monitor progress on implementation of the Support to
Agrarian Reform Communities in Central Mindanao, an EC-funded project to finance agricultural, capacity-
building and infrastructure requirements in the identified Agrarian Reform Communities of the Department of
Agrarian Reform.
It was also during Ambassador Ludva’s term that the Czech Republic held the EU Presidency from January to
June 2009. Through his efforts, the Czech ODA extended grants for the Philippines’ environmental projects.
END (Photo by: Benjamin Remo, DFA-PISU)
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Secretary Romulo Attends 52nd Malaysian National Day
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Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo offers a toast to Ambassador Dato’ Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi (2nd R), on
the occasion of the 52nd Anniversary of the National Day of Malaysia held at the Shangrila Hotel, Makati City, on
7 September.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, His Eminence Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams of the Holy See (1st R)
and other diplomats and guests joined Secretary Romulo in congratulating Malaysia on its National Day. (Photo
by Benjamin Remo, DFA-PISU)
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President Arroyo to Strengthen Ties with Turkey
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President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will visit Turkey on September 16-17, upon the invitation of Turkish President
Abdullah Gul.
The visit will be the highlight of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the
Philippines and Turkey this year.
The President’s visit is expected to strengthen economic ties with Turkey which is the 16th largest economy in
the world and the 6th in Europe. Turkey is an emerging market for Philippine exports, alongside India, South
Africa, Russia and Ukraine.
In 2008, trade volume between the Philippines and Turkey amounted to more than US$114 million, with
Philippine exports to Turkey reaching US$63 million, and Philippine imports from Turkey at US$51 million.
Among Philippine products for further promotion to Turkey include costume/precious jewelry (especially pearls,
other precious stones), fresh/processed fruits (especially bananas, mangoes), garments/furniture, organic
chemicals, and coconut products.
President Arroyo will also take the opportunity to thank President Gul for Turkey’s support for the Philippines’ bid
for an Observer status with the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
While in Turkey, President Arroyo will meet with OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu to solidify the
Philippines’ bid and update the latter on the progress in the Mindanao peace process.
It will be recalled that in March this year, Secretary Alberto Romulo also visited Turkey and met with then Turkish
Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, who is now Deputy Prime Minister.
From Turkey, the President will proceed to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia to promote the Philippines as
an attractive investment destination, to look after the welfare of Filipino overseas workers and strengthen
bilateral relations with the said countries. END
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RP Consul General in Guangzhou calls on Guandong Foreign Affairs Office
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The Philippine Consulate in Guanzhou reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs on the call of Consul
General Joselito A. Jimeno on Mr. Fu Lang, Director General of Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office, last
September 7.
Consul General Jimeno assured the Director General that the Consulate General will continue to work hand-in-
hand with the Guangdong Foreign Affairs to enhance the dynamic relations between the Philippines and
Guangdong, and further people-to-people contacts.
Mr. Fu conveyed that the leaders of Guangdong Province attach great importance to its ties with the Philippines
and hope to increase trade, commerce and tourism. The two officials discussed the forthcoming visit to the
Philippines (Manila and Cebu) of the Guangdong Governor Huang Hua Hua on October 21-24, 2009.
Consul General Jimeno sought Mr Fu’s support on important activities which include the two major trade
promotion events in Manila, such as the Manila FAME on October 15 to18, 2009 and the World Chinese
Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) on November 19-22, 2009; and the 35th Anniversary Celebration of RP-
China Diplomatic Relations in 2010.
Consul General Jimeno also briefed the Director General on the alarming number of Filipino nationals involved
in drug smuggling cases in Guangdong and informed the Guangdong officials that the Consulate has sent out
advisories and press releases to forewarn Filipino travelers.
Mr. Fu assured Consul General Jimeno that the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office will extend necessary support
and assistance on these important issues. END
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RP’s new Permanent Representative to International Maritime Organization
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Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo, Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James, presented his Letter of
Credence to the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Efthimios Mitropoulos. The
procedure initiated his accreditation as Permanent Representative of the Philippines to IMO in a concurrent
capacity. The simple ceremony took place at the office of the Secretary General at the IMO Headquarters in
London.
During their meeting following the presentation of credentials, Secretary General Mitropoulos expressed the
appreciation of the international community for the presence of Filipino seafarers on board both
Philippine-flagged and non-Philippine-flagged merchant vessels. He noted that Filipinos account for more than
20 percent of seafarers on board ships today.
Noting the sinking of Superferry 9 last weekend, Secretary General Mitropoulos conveyed to Ambassador
Lagdameo his condolence to the victims of the accident. Ambassador Lagdameo expressed his appreciation
for the words of sympathy extended by the Secretary General.
The two officials likewise exchanged views on the problem of piracy off the coast of Somalia. They agreed to
cooperate in addressing this problem in order to protect the lives of seafarers.
The IMO is the specialized agency of the UN system which deals with the technical and operational details of
maritime relationship between its member states. Its leading committee dealing with the primordial concern of
safety of life at sea, the Maritime Safety Committee, is chaired by Filipino diplomat, Neil Frank R. Ferrer.
As Permanent Representative to IMO, Ambassador Lagdameo shall be responsible for ensuring that the
interest of the Philippines on maritime issues, especially as regards the welfare of Filipino seafarers, shall be
heard and supported by the other IMO member states.
In this regard, the Philippines shall be seeking re-election to the Council of the IMO at elections scheduled to
take place in London in November 2009.
During his meeting with Secretary General Mitropoulos, Ambassador Lagdameo was joined by Deputy Chief of
Mission Reynaldo A. Catapang and Minister Francisco Noel Fernandez III. END
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KHP Techniuv Choir gives Concert in Oslo
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In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Norway stated that the Techniuv
Coro, under the musical creativity of its conductor, Steve Abad Collado, gave an outstanding concert last
September 9 at the St. Olav Cathedral.
Coro Techniuv, a choir composed mostly of scholars from the Technical University of The Philippines (TUP)
came into existence in 1992 in Dasmarinas, Cavite. The choir rose to fame when it emerged as the runaway
winner in a choral festival organized by the Cultural and Athletic Association of Colleges and Universities of the
Philippines (CAACUP) within a year of its formation.
His Excellency, Bishop Bernt Eidsvig of Oslo, together with Ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic
corps as well as Filipino residents in Oslo were enthralled by the Choir’s magnificent rendition of sacred
folkloric and secular music sung in German, French, English, Spanish and Filipino.
The concert was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Norway, in cooperation with the Catholic Diocese of
Oslo.
The choir rendered a capella versions of Pater Noster, Bogoro Ditse Dyevo, Ehre Sei Gott Inder Hohe, A Tu
Lado, You Raise Me Up, A Man in the Mirror, La Guerre, Cebuano Medley, Iniibig Kita, Lipad ng Pangarap, to the
delight of the audience. The encore number, ‘Tayo’y Mga Pinoy’, composed and made popular by Herber
Bartolome, brought comic relief to the solemn, quiet temperament of the choir’s repertoire.
Bishop Eidsvig commented that he was impressed by the purity of the voices he heard, while another
ambassador was amazed at how they could sing in five different languages pretty well. A European diplomat
said it was a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ for her to listen to an Asian choir with mastery of rhythm and
harmony.
Prior to their Oslo concert, the Choir participated in the folkloric and sacred song divisions of the 3rd Grieg
International Music festival held in Bergen on September 2-6. From Oslo, the choir proceeded to Belgium where
they will compete in the International Choir Contest of Flanders-Maasmechelen and in Arezzo, Italy where they
are also scheduled to participate in the 57th “Guido d’Arezzo” International Polyphonic Competition.
Philippine Ambassador to Norway Elizabeth P. Buensuceso extended her gratitude to the Choir for bringing joy
and cheer from the Philippines to Norway and for giving honor and pride to the country.
The Choir was accompanied by their Spiritual Director, Father Gilberto D. Urubio. END
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RP Embassy in Brunei conducts Briefing for Overseas Filipinos in Bandar Seri Begawan
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The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam recently conducted a briefing on its program and services for
overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the Hall of the Church of Our Lady of Assumption, Bandar Seri Begawan.
The activity was arranged by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), under Labor Attache Elizabeth O.
Recio, in coordination with OFW Chris Medrano.
The briefing provided participants with the basic knowledge/updates on Embassy programs and services, and
gave them some pointers on relevant laws, policies, procedures and requirements affecting foreign workers. It
also enhanced linkage and promote better understanding and cooperation between and among Embassy and
OFWs/Filipino Community as well as the host government. [More...]
Minister Celeste V. Balatbat welcomed the participants.
Ambassador Alexander B. Yano, in his remarks, emphasized the need for all Filipinos to unite and be part of
“Team Philippines” by carrying out, to the best of their abilities, their respective jobs. He added that Brunei
Darussalam has been a very good host for highly-skilled Filipinos wanting to work in the country.
The briefing for Filipino expatriates delved on consular assistance, presented by Consul General and First
Secretary Raymond Balatbat; assistance to nationals/legal matters by Atty. Neil Brillantes; labour and welfare
services by Dr. Elizabeth O. Recio and Welfare Officer Zenaida Ramos respectively; Social Security System
membership promotion and coverage by Ms. Marivic Rutor; and Pag-Ibig Fund by Ms. Arlina Feliciano.
A lively open forum was facilitated by Administrative Officer Edgar Matibag. Concerns raised during the forum
included queries on passport and other consular fees, reduced travel tax for OFW family members, and other
labor problems.
The Rt. Rev. Cornelius Sim, Bishop of the Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam and Parish Priest of the Church,
graced the occasion and assured the Embassy and the Filipinos of his support for the Embassy’s outreach
activities. END
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