PHILIPPINES AND ISRAEL CONCLUDE NEGOTIATIONS ON TEXT OF SOCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT  

 15 November 2007—Charge d’ Affaires a.i. and Head of the Philippine Negotiating Panel Gilberto G.B. Asuque (seated right) and Mr. Jacob Sasporta, Head of the Israeli Negotiating Panel (seated left) initial the Minutes of the Meeting of the RP-Israel Negotiations for the Social Security Agreement at the conclusion of the 2-day talks in Jerusalem on 13 November 2007. The Minutes included the agreed text of the Agreement.  Witnessing the signing ceremony are the members of the Philipine and Israeli Negotiating Panels (standing L to R) Labor Attaché Merriam Cuasay, Trade and Cultural Attaché Chester A. Omaga-Diaz, Atty. Judy Frances A. See, Vice President, International Affairs & Branch Expansion Division, SSS; PhilHealth Senior Vice President Valentin C. Guanio, Atty. Irit Altschuler, First Deputy to the Legal Advisor, National Insurance Institute (NII) of Israel; SSS Executive Vice President and Chief Negotiator Horacio T. Templo, Ms. Chaja Pe’er, Division of International Afairs, NII; and Atty. Roberto Bautista, Head, International Affairs Department, SSS.   The Social Security Agreement will provide medical coverage for work-related diseases and injuries, maternity benefits and other social security benefits for OFWs in Israel and Israelis working in the Philippines.  (Embassy photo)

/Gary