By: Atty. Romulo Rivera

Responding to the announcement by Philippine Embassy on the arrival of the new Philippine Ambassador, The Mitcham Filipino-British Association (MFBA) led by its President, Andrea Colquhoun joined the embassy in welcoming the new head of Mission in the UK. Prior to his assumption as the new Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James, His Excellency Enrique Manalo served as Philippine Ambassador to Belgium.

Several representatives from the more than 100 Filipino organizations registered with the embassy arrived one after another to welcome the new Ambassador filling the Hall to a ‘standing room only’ (SRO) capacity to the surprise and delight of the embassy staffs who organized the event. On his way to London to assume his new post, Ambassador Manalo dropped by Belfast to perform an official function as part of his mission. The well-wishers did not mind the brief delay of the program which was set to start at 6:00pm (October 18, 2011) with the scenic Philbeach Gardens in Central London as the venue. Representatives from the Social Security System wasted no time. They took advantage of the opportunity to make a very informative presentation about the modern facilities and the various advantages of being members such as the convenient electronic transfer and/or remittance of money to relatives back home, how to avail of housing loan, health, disability, retirement, pension, death and burial benefits. Representatives from the Home Development Mutual Fund popularly known as the PAG-IBIG on the other hand conveniently utilized the break to share information about their own similar services that used to cover only the public sector or GSIS contributors. SSS and PAG-IBIG coverage are mandatory, and Republic Act 9679 has now been broadened to include the private sectors or SSS contributors. All OFWs were encouraged to activate their membership and visit or contact their UK offices at the Philippine Embassy for further enquiries and assistance.

As the Emcee announced the arrival of the awaited guest the crowd gleefully cheered in warm welcome. Charge’ d’Affaires Mr. Reynaldo Catapang was then called to introduce the new diplomat. He started by saying that the services of the embassy will henceforth be made available more regularly to our kababayans after a brief hiatus caused by the exit of the venerable then Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo. The new envoy virtually jumped to his feet as his name was called to perform his first official act. He got the approval and admiration of the crowd as he gladly and humbly submitted himself to a request from the SSS to assist them award Certificates to several member beneficiaries.

Ambassador His Excellency Enrique Manalo, hit the ground running as he announced his plans in the coming months to strive and reinvigorate programs set by his predecessor not only on the political domain but most especially on the areas of Trade and Investment, Tourism, Labor and Welfare, and other consular services. These include active partnership with the UK authorities as well as the attached Philippine government agencies such as the Social Security System, Overseas Workers Welfare Association, PAG-IBIG, information desimination campaigns, political and multilateral cooperation, cultural activities and the delivery of frontline services to the growing and strong Filipino community in the country. In his remarks, he urged all qualified voters to register and to actively take part in the Philippine democratic process by casting their absentee ballots during the upcoming national elections set in 13 May 2013. In order to qualify to vote one must be registered as a voter. The Philippine Embassy is embarking on a massive campaign to maximize registration of overseas absentee voting which starts in 31 October 2011 to 31 October 2012 as part of preparations and activities in connection with the scheduled national elections. All completed absentee ballots by mail should be received by the embassy between 13 April 2013 to 13 May 2013 in due time for canvassing.

After the meeting, Filipinos and non–Filipinos alike were treated by the members of the staff of the embassy to a sumptuous dinner and snacks in a joyous salo-salo fashion to express their gratitude for the guests’ generous attendance to the occasion. The event likewise gave the MFBA officers and members the opportunity to interact with the embassy officials and our kababayans. Other MFBA officers who joined Pres. Andrea Colquhoun to the event were: Past President & Consultant Ronald Dalida, Vice President-External Cecille Batallones, Advisers/Consultant Jess Magdaong & Romy Rivera, PROs Liza Ferreol & Cathy Dalida, Allen Reilly, Lou Pearce and Virgie.

Please view more highlights and photographs taken during the event and other activities of the association by visiting our website: mitchampinoy.com.