14 October 2004— The Philippine Embassy in Vienna reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs the successful holding on 08 October 2004 of the Symposium for Former Filipinos In Austria  at the Rizal Reading Room of the Embassy organized in cooperation with the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria (CFAA).  As a venue for informing Filipinos in Austria about current Philippine laws and regulations affecting them, the Symposium is envisioned to be the initial activity of an intensified information campaign for Filipinos who are now either permanent residents or citizens of Austria.

In his brief opening remarks commencing the Symposium, Ambassador Victor G. Garcia III emphasized the important contributions of overseas Filipinos as promoters of the country's image abroad and as great contributors to our national economy, referring to them as the modern day heroes of the Philippines. While acknowledging that many of those Filipinos present during the Symposium have been in Austria for a long time and have embraced Austrian culture and society Ambassador Garcia also emphasized that deep inside their hearts and minds they are still all Filipinos and called on their patriotic responsibility to support the Philippines.

The Symposium discussed two important topics relevant to former Filipinos: visa regulations, and property acquisition and inheritance in the Philippines. It is a fact that once a Filipino acquires a different nationality, he or she loses certain privileges from being a Filipino. This includes simple things like going back home without visas, to more complicated things like purchasing property back home. The Symposium therefore helped to clarify some of the rules and regulations that the Philippine Government provides to former Filipinos in order for them to avail themselves some of the benefits they used to enjoy as Philippine citizens.

The topics were discussed through audio-visual presentations by Consul General Julio C. Dery and Third Secretary Roberto G. Manalo. Presentations included powerpoint materials and videos on Philippine tourism, the Balikbayan visa privileges, and an overview of the Special Resident Retirees Visa (SIRV) of the Philippine Leisure and Retirement Authority (PLRA) and the Special Investors Resident Visa of the Board of Investments (BOI), Current Philippine laws on property acquisition and inheritance were also discussed as many former Filipinos in Austria are interested in acquiring property or putting up investments in the Philippines.

It was the general expectation that through this similar activities, the Embassy will be able to reach residing in Austria and inform them about current regulations that have some bearing on them. END