12 December 2003 - The Philippine government lauds the recent report of the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands, on the election of Ms. Ana G.M.B. Abejuela, Agricultural Attache at the Post as Executive Director in the Executive Board of the Common Fund  for Commodities (CFC) for the term 2004-2005.

In congratulating the Philippine Embassy for its relentless efforts in the campaign, Secretary Blas F. Ople  also underscored the recent successes of the Philippines in the international fora which has earned for the country high level of recognition from the world community.  “This year alone, the Philippines has reaped unprecedented kudos not only from its Asian neighbors or in the halls of the United Nations but in other corners of the world,” he said proudly, and added “These developments are indicative of our growing prominence in world polity.  Thus I commend the people who make them happen – our people in the front.”

Secretary Ople was referring to the series of victories the Philippines received this year –  its election to the UN Security Council in October; its election for a  fourth consecutive term as member of the Council of the International Maritime Organization based in London; the election of current Undersecretary Jose S. Brillantes to the UN Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families; and the re-election of the Philippines as a member of the FAO Council by the 32nd FAO Conference held in Rome for a three-year term from 2004-2007.

The Common Fund for Commodities is an intergovernmental financial institution established by the United Nations in 1989.  Currently, there are 106 member- countries of the Fund. Its main office is in Amsterdam.

The  Common Fund assists commodity-dependent countries to strengthen their economic base and to advance their socio-economic development.  The focus of its activities is on improvement of productivity, introduction of innovative products, development of new markets, horizontal and vertical diversification, and strengthening of credit systems for agricultural inputs.

The Philippine Delegation to the CFC Governing Council meeting was composed of Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands Romeo A. Arguelles as Governor, Ms. Abejuela as Alternate Governor, and Mr. Noel Servigon and Ms. Maria Milagros Monje, First Secretary and Attache of the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, respectively as Advisers.