Reports from Philippine Embassies and Consulates (As of 17 September 2009)
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Ottawa PE
* Canadian Chief Health Public Officer announced that Canada will likely not have an A(H1N1) flu vaccine
available for distribution until early November.
* Cumulative accounted deaths in Canada related to A(H1N1) is 72. Post will continue to monitor and report
developments.
Prague PE
* The total number of A(H1N1) reported cases are 277.
* To date, Post has not received any report of Filipino contracting the flu.
Macau PCG
* Post reported that the total number of A(H1N1) cases in Macau had risen to 1,352. No reported Filipino was
infected by the virus.
* The Macau SAR government ordered one million A(H1N1) vaccines. The first shipment is due to arrive in
November.
Oslo PE
* Post reported first A(H1N1) death in Norway.
* There are a total of 1,155 cases of A(H1N1) in the country.
* No reported Filipino was infected by the virus.
Vientiane PE
* Post reported that Laos recorded 245 cases of A(H1N1) with two fatalities as of 31 August.
Beirut PE
* The Ministry of Health of Lebanon announced that there are now 792 A(H1N1) cases confirmed with two
deaths.
* Post has not received any report of Filipinos being infected by the virus.
Washington PE
* Post reported the preparations being made by the US government in anticipation of the second surge or wave
of the A(H1N1) virus during the fall and winter seasons.
* The Federal Government has allocated nearly US$2 billion to secure vaccines which will be available by
mid-October.
Abu Dhabi PE
* Post reported 4th death case in UAE related to A(H1N1) virus.
* Post continues to monitor cases that might involve Filipino nationals particularly, those in Philippine schools.
Berne PE
* Post continues to monitor A(H1N1) cases under its jurisdiction.
* No reported case of Filipino being infected by the virus
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Groundbreaking Ceremony Kicks Off the Renovation Project of the Philippine
Chancery in Brussels
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Ambassador Cristina G. Ortega, Philippine Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Philippine Mission to the
European Communities, led the groundbreaking ceremony held on 7 September 2009 at the Philippine
Chancery in Avenue Moliere, Brussels.
This event was held to officially turn-over the Chancery key to the contractor that will undertake the renovation
project.
The renovation project was awarded to SPRL Enterprise General Le Loup on 28 August 2009 by the Bids and
Awards Committee of the Embassy headed by Minister and Consul Roy B. Ecraela.
“I am quite pleased that we have now realized our dream of having a Philippine property at the very heart of
Europe. Now is the most opportune time to undertake the necessary renovation of the building so as to further
beautify the premises and optimize its functionality”, Ambassador Ortega remarked. END
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Cebu Governor Leads Trade Mission to Israel
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Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia led a trade mission to Israel on September 2-7.
The trade mission, comprising members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), promoted
and enhanced trade cooperation between the Philippines and Israel.
During her visit, Governor Garcia met with officials of the Foreign Ministry and the Municipality of Rishon Lezion
and discussed common interests particularly in advancing RP-Israel trade relations.
As a result of the visit, both parties agreed and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by and between
the Cebu Province and Rishon Lezion on September 6.
A total of 20 top business persons engaged in various sectors such as food, hardware, ICT, real estate and gift
items, accompanied Governor Garcia.
Mrs. Emily Benedicto-Chioson, also the Honorary Consul of Israel in the Philippines, and Mr. Samuel Chioson,
president of CCCI, facilitated and contributed much to the success of the visit and the trade mission whose
member-delegates.
The MOU specifically aims to create conditions for promotion of trade and developing business between the two
parties.
The following areas were identified in the MOU as areas where cooperation can be enhanced: economic
contacts; tourism industry; technical information; trade fairs/exhibition; economic, educational, cultural and
sports activities; healthcare and social facilities, and environmental protection.
The signing of the agreement was facilitated by Ambassador Itzak Oren, the Director of Foreign Relations of the
Municipality of Rishon Lezion. The members of the CCCI were also present during the event and witnessed the
signing ceremonies.
The Governor also paid tribute to the Holocaust Memorial Park, also in Rishon Lezion, through a wreath-laying
ceremony. She visited the site of the Philippines-Israel Friendship Monument, commonly known as the Open
Doors Monument, which was inaugurated in June 2009 by Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano.
Governor Garcia attended the opening session of the roundtable discussion between the CCCI and Israeli
companies and businessmen.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce jointly organized the event held at the
Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv.
Later in the evening, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Petronila P. Garcia hosted a dinner in honor of the Cebu
Governor, her entourage and the trade mission delegates of CCCI. Among those present were Israeli
businessmen, Mr. Chaim Choshen of the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Oren of Rishon Lezion, and close
friends. END
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RP Embassy in London Clarifies Reported Crackdown on Foreigners in UK
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The Philippine Embassy in London reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Filipinos in the United
Kingdom are generally law-abiding and have generally not been affected nor been the subject of arrest and
detention in the ongoing drive by UK immigration authorities
The target of the campaign involves nationals without appropriate work permits or other documentation, from
Eastern European countries outside of the European Union, as well as those from Saharan and sub-Saharan
Africa.
Since 2007, the Embassy has proposed to the United Kingdom Home Office the conduct of regular and official
consultations on immigration concerns involving Filipinos in the UK.
The UK Border Agency launched a Points-Based Migration system in February 2008 to ensure that only those
with the right skills or the right contribution can come to the United Kingdom to work or study. END
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RP Embassy in Kuala Lumpur conducts Security Clinic for Personnel
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The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that it is currently
holding a clinic on security-related matters for its personnel. (Inset) Defense Attaché Col. Jet Velarmino (left)
and Second Secretary Theodore I. Libardo (right) were the first speakers. Sr. Supt. Bernardo Diaz of the
Philippine National Police will also speak in the coming days. END
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Consul General Cardenas Calls on Governor Linda Lingle
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The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Consul General
Leoncio R. Cardenas paid a courtesy call on Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle at the State Capitol on September
14 where they had cordial discussions on issues concerning Philippine-Hawaii relations. They also discussed
the Philippines’ participation in Governor Lingle’s priority programs, including the FIRST in Hawaii Robotics
Competition held in March 2009 aimed at developing skills on high-robotics technology and the 6th International
Women’s Leadership Conference on September 22.
The Philippine Team, composed of 20 third-year high school students from the Philippine Science High School,
garnered the “Rookie All Star Award” at the robotics competition. Senator Loren Legarda, a leading advocate on
conservation and a well-respected Woman Leader, will attend the 6th IWLC.
Consul General Cardenas expressed his appreciation to Govenor Lingle’s sincere offer of assistance to be of
help to the Philippine Consulate and the Filipino Community in Hawaii. END
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