Islamabad, 1 June 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert met with the leaders of the Filipino community of Islamabad today and urged them to continue “making a difference” in carrying out their responsibilities as professionals and workers in a foreign land.

The Secretary emphasized the core values of professionalism, dedication, and commitment by overseas Filipinos as among the reasons for their continued gainful employment in countries all over the world.

“We have now 8 million overseas Filipinos who represent ten percent of the total population of the country. Their annual remittances from abroad have made a significant contribution to supporting the national economy. The Philippine government has the responsibility to look after their welfare and to protect their interests wherever they may be,” Secretary Albert said.

She explained that the Department of Foreign Affairs is actively pursuing the third pillar of Philippine foreign policy, which is represented by the overseas Filipino communities.

“This third pillar is intended to ensure the promotion of the welfare and protection of interests of our overseas Filipinos. As Secretary of Foreign Affairs, I always include a meeting with the Filipino community as part of my official schedule during a visit. This is to enable me to monitor their situation in their host countries and to personally apprise myself of their concerns,” she said.

The Secretary also urged the Filipinos in Islamabad to come out with “wonderful stories to tell about the Filipino community in Pakistan.” She narrated the story of a Filipino airport cleaner in Australia, who later rose to the position of airport manager through hard work and determination to succeed.  Secretary Albert awarded her with an achievement award in 2001.

“This only proves the dedication and commitment and professional work ethics of our workers, who have been welcomed in countries all over the globe because of their talents and excellent qualities as individuals,” Secretary Albert said.
 
There are approximately 550 Filipinos residing in various parts of Pakistan, mostly in the cities of Karachi, Lahore and the capital, Islamabad.
 
These Filipinos are composed mostly of Muslim students, hotel employees, nurses, religious missionaries, professionals employed in textile mills and road construction projects, and Filipinos married to Pakistanis and other foreign nationals. Secretary Albert was able to reach out to a majority of these Filipinos during her meeting with the community leaders and through the facilities of television.  Her visit to Pakistan was televised on a daily basis in the main government channel. END.