AMBASSADOR'S MESSAGE
Greetings of peace and may the blessings of GOD ALMIGHTY be upon us all.
On the memorable day of 10 June 2011, I took a solemn oath before H.E. Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, to be his Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to New Zealand, in the service of the Filipino people. My family and I deeply appreciate the trust that President Aquino and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. Del Rosario have shown in me in making this appointment. It reaffirmed in a clear symbolic act, their faith and confidence in our country’s career foreign service. Knowing fully well the importance of this position and the immense responsibility that goes with it, I will continue to do my best to meet the President’s and the Filipino people’s expectations in advancing Philippine national interests in New Zealand. These will encompass the strengthening of Philippine-New Zealand relations and cooperation in the political, security, defence, economic, trade, tourism, investment, energy, air links, education, socio-cultural and other fields in the bilateral and multilateral levels, the protection of the interests and welfare of more than 30,000 Filipinos in the country and improvement in the delivery of consular and other services to them and the enhancement of the close friendship and strategic partnership between the Filipinos and New Zealanders. At the heart of what I do is knowing that public service is a public trust.
The Embassy of the Philippines in New Zealand is currently composed of ten (10) home-based foreign service officers and staff and three (3) Honorary Consular officers in Auckland and Christchurch. Together, we anchor all our actions and continue to be guided by the three closely intertwined, inseparable and equally important pillars of Philippine foreign policy, namely, the preservation and enhancement of national security, the promotion and attainment of economic diplomacy and the protection of the rights and the promotion of the welfare and interest of all Filipinos overseas. These pillars support the President’s social contract and its five (5) key result areas: 1. Good governance and anti-corruption; 2. Human development and poverty reduction; 3. Security, justice and peace; 4. Economic development; and 5. Climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Philippines-New Zealand relations, since its inception 45 years ago, can be best described as strong, steadfast, stable and strategic. The Philippine Government attaches great importance to people-to-people ties and interaction at all levels to enhance the Philippines’ long-standing relationship and translate into practical ways the shared commitment of the Philippines and New Zealand to work together and develop alongside each other. The vital roles of the Filipinos and New Zealanders to the national development programs of both countries deepen the reservoir of goodwill with and support for each other.
It is very heartwarming to know that during my presentation of credentials to H.E. Lieutenant General The Rt. Hon. Sir Jerry Mateparae, Governor-General and Commander-In-Chief In and Over The Realm of New Zealand at the Government House Wellington on 15 September 2011, he acknowledged the important contributions of Filipinos in New Zealand in the areas of education, information technology, services and tourism and the expanding people-to-people ties as the key to the future of the bilateral and mutually beneficial relationship between New Zealand and the Philippines. Indeed, the inherent, proven and widely acknowledged talent, creativity, excellence, industry, competence and contributions of the members of the Filipino community, many of whom have made New Zealand their second home, continue to earn distinct recognition for our people, our work ethics, our culture and our heritage. You continue to do our country proud!
In the midst of the economic resurgence that the Philippines continues to enjoy with President Aquino at the helm of our government, there is a renewed trust, hope and confidence sweeping the country, a marked improvement in the business environment and international credit ratings and greater inflow of concrete, transparent, fair and mutually beneficial partnerships and investments from both local and foreign sources. As the Philippine economy continues to take off, let us be part of the wind beneath its wings. We all have a stake in helping our beloved country and people soar high.
In carrying out our GOD-given mission in New Zealand, the Philippine Embassy team heeds the call of Foreign Affairs Secretary del Rosario to continue serving with a smile, going the extra mile and reaching beyond our grasp. We look forward to working even more closely with the Government and People of New Zealand, partnering with various Filipino civic, professional cultural, business, sports, social and faith-based associations, cooperating with our friends from the media, academe, private sector, non-government organizations, indigenous groups and other communities to enable Philippine – New Zealand relations to reach greater heights, mark significant milestones and break new ground. Let us all journey on this road together. MABUHAY PO KAYONG LAHAT! NO REIRA TENA KOUTOU, TENA KOUTOU, TENA KOUTOU KATOA.