20 April 2004, Oslo, Norway – In addition to meetings with high government officials and the business, investment and shipping sectors of Norway, Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today met with Norway’s Filipino Community leaders and challenged them to share their personal experiences of
having overcome challenges and hardships.

“I was deeply moved by the inspiring stories that the Filipino Community leaders shared with me during our meeting.  They told me of the hardships that they had faced and how they had overcome these,” Secretary Albert said after her meeting.

“These are stories that are testament to the true spirit of the Filipino, marked by self-sacrifice, hard work and love for their country and their family,” the Secretary said.  “I told them that they should write their success stories so that others will be as moved and inspired as I was,” she added.  The Filipino Community leaders thanked secretary Albert for her suggestion and pledged to write and document their stories.

The Secretary in turn instructed Philippine Ambassador Victoria Bataclan, who is based in Sweden but is also accredited to Norway, to coordinate and assist the efforts of the Filipino Community to record their success stories.

Another issue that was raised during today’s Filipino Community meeting was the need for Filipinos and their organizations to coordinate efforts, particularly when asking the host government to adopt a certain policy or procedure.

“You must unite, not based on personalities, but based on objectives.  If you have a common objective and a common vision, it will be difficult for you to remain divided,” the Secretary told the gathered Filipinos. She also said that “do not be too obsessed with formalities or else you will have endless debates
on procedures.  Agree on a common objective and go for it.” END.