Manama, Bahrain, 6 November 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo met with the Filipino Community in Bahrain and shared with them the praise and admiration of high Bahraini government officials for Filipinos.

Meeting with the Filipino community at the residence of Ambassador Eduardo Maglaya tonight, Secretary Romulo told the gathered Filipinos “In all my meetings with Bahraini officials, from the Prime Minister down, there was nothing but praise and admiration for Filipinos.”

“Through your hard work, dedication and professionalism, you have shown the world what the Filipino is capable of.  You have become very effective ambassadors of our country and for that you deserve the gratitude of all of us back home,” the Secretary added.

The Secretary also said that in addition to generating unquantifiable amounts of goodwill for the Philippines, the Filipino communities overseas also directly support the progress and development of the Philippines. “Your remittances help strengthen our foreign reserves and help to boost our economy,” the Secretary said.

“Though far from home, you have kept strong links to our people and to our country.  Together, we will work to build a stronger Philippines,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary acknowledged the presence of several Filipino community leaders, saying “I feel a great sense of pride when I see Filipino professionals and non-professionals, from different provinces and regions, get together to build stronger ties among themselves.”

The Secretary said that the Filipino community in Bahrain has shown the sense of national unity that should inspire all Filipinos everywhere to work together to push the Philippines forward. END.