16 November 2007—Charge d’ Affaires a.i. Gilberto Asuque ( center  ) briefs the PAG-IBIG delegation headed by PAG-IBIG Senior Vice President Emma Linda Faria (3^rd from right) during the call on the Chargé d’Affaires at the Philippine Embassy on 05 November 2007.  The PAG-IBIG Delegation is meeting with the Filipino Community, Israeli Officials and bank representatives to explore a viable and efficient PAG-IBIG registration and remittance system via electronic banking in Israel for purposes of housing loans or investments in the Philippines.  PAG-IBIG is promoting membership to about 31,000 OFWs and former Filipinos who are gainfully employed in Israel.  CDA Asuque expressed the support of the Embassy to the PAG-IBIG project and said that it will encourage the OFWs to plan for their future and will provide them opportunities to invest in important projects that will further uplift their social standing.  Also present during the meeting are Vice Consul Thaddeus Hamoy (far left) and Labor Attaché Merriam Cuasay (far right).  The members of the PAG-IBIG delegation include PAG-IBIG Manager Amado Dizon (2^nd from right), Supervising Auditor Lourdes Almario (3^rd from left) and State Auditor Ma. Ruby Belleza (2^nd from left). (Embassy photo)

/Gary