POLO-OWWA HATID SAYA 2007 BRINGS JOY TO FILIPINOS IN ITALY 

21 November 2007 -  Philippine Ambassador to Italy Philippe J. Lhuillier and wife Edna led the Flliplno Community at the Hatid Saya 2007 concerts In Florence and Rome on October 27 and November 1, 2007.  

Hatid Saya, a traditional cultural activity spearheaded     by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, was warmly welcomed by close to two thousand (2.000) Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families at each of the concerts. 

Entertainment was provided by matinee idol Jericho Rosales and comedienne-host Winnie Cordero along with a host of local talents led by resident sensation Mr. Armand Curameng. 

This year's event concerts were co-sponsored by Microsoft One Follow Me mobile solutions for migrant workers.

Ambassador Lhuillier took the opportunity on October 27 to introduce the newly appointed Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Florence Dott. Fabio Fanfani. 

Ambassador Lhuillier also announced the adjustment of passport fees from Euro 65.00 to Euro 40.00 and certificates and other consular fees from Euro 32.50 to Euro 20.00 effective November 1, 2007. OFWs warmly welcomed this development, a cause personally advocated by Ambassador Lhuillier for the past few years. 

OWWA Administrator Marianito D. Roque came to the Florence concert to pay tribute to OFWs and promote the government's Comprehensive Reintegration program. He likewise highlighted the unity that binds Filipinos all over the world, which further increases our competitive edge in the global labor market. 

/Gary