THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY WELCOMES PARTICIPANTS TO THE “FILIPINO JOURNALISTS, POLICY MAKERS AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS SEMINAR” IN ISRAEL

30 October 2007—Chargé d’Affaires Gilberto G.B. Asuque (standing, far left) welcomes the participants to the “Filipino Journalists, Policy Makers and Religious Leaders Seminar” held in Israel on 22-28 October 2007, sponsored by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), in a dinner on 23 October 2007 at the rooftop garden of the Embassy. The event was also attended by Filipino leaders, Israeli government officials and businessmen.  CDA Asuque stressed the importance of communication and exchange of  information as a tool towards strengthening relations among peoples as the Philippines and Israel celebrate this year the 50^th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.  CDA Asuque also briefed the participants on the status of the “Open Doors”, the first Philippine Monument in Israel, in recognition of the humanitarian support of the Philippines’ in saving thousands of Jews during the Holocaust.  The Philippine delegation is composed of  Undersecretary for the Mindanao Economic Development Council Virgilio Leyretana; Senior Adviser to the House Speaker Mr. Edgardo Castro; Prof. Alex Magno, Ms. Bai Norah Paglas;  Ms. Lou Solijon; Mr. Jiggy Manicad of GMA 7; Mr. Buddy Cunanan of NBN 4; Dr. Hilario Gomez, Jr. of the United Church of Christ; and Ms. Rina Jimenez-David of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. (Embassy photo)