GOVPH

Philippine Embassy in London Hosts Annual Gathering of Filipino Students

LONDON, 14 December 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in London held its annual year-end reception for Filipino students in the UK at Tollgate Gardens Community Centre, London, on 12 December 2023, attended by about 80 guests. Also in attendance were several non-Filipinos learning the Filipino language.

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Philippine Embassy in London Holds “END VAWC: Legal and Law Perspectives” Enforcement

The Philippine Embassy in London held a seminar entitled, “END VAWC: Legal and Law Enforcement Perspectives,” in support of the “18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women” celebrated annually in the Philippines from 25 November to 12 December.

The seminar, held at the Sentro Rizal London, focused on UK laws regarding violence against women, as well as practical tips on keeping safe in the city.

Metropolitan Police members of Filipino descent led the discussion on situational awareness and safety tips, and provided information on the most common crimes affecting women and girls in the UK. Solicitor Crystal Dias provided information on the relevant statutes that protect women and girls from domestic abuse and other forms of violence. The seminar allowed for a free exchange of ideas and participants engaged in the lively discussion.

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PH in Overwhelming Re-election Victory Vows to Keep Seafarers at the Center of IMO Agenda

The Philippines was re-elected in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under category C for term 2024-2025 at elections held last 1 December 2023 during the 33rd IMO Assembly at the IMO Headquarters in London. The Philippines received 136 votes out of the possible 168 votes, ranking with the fourth highest number of votes amongst countries vying for the said seat. This is a huge leap from the 112 votes the country received in 2021, showing the trust and confidence of IMO member states to the maritime credentials of the Philippines. It is also the highest ranking that the Philippines garnered at the IMO elections in years. H.E. Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Permanent Representative to the IMO, in his candidature pitch, vowed that the Philippines will keep seafarers at the center of the IMO’s agenda. He highlighted the seafaring tradition of the Philippines saying : “It is not about leaving some behind in any worthy field of human endeavor, but of going farther forward, as can only be done by women and men together. For those of us who are personally descended from seafarers, the sea will always hold the perfume promise of return and the fragrance of hope.” 

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, in his general statement during the 33rd IMO Assembly stressed the crucial importance of the Philippine membership to the IMO Council:  "We believe our re-election will allow us to continue contributing to the maritime industry, not just as a top provider of top-caliber seafarers, but also at promoting safe

and secure shipping operations, geared towards growth, modernization, resiliency and sustainability." 

Other elected countries in the IMO Council under category C (countries which have a special interest in maritime transport or navigation) include the following: Bahamas, Bangladesh, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Türkiye.

Earlier in the week during the opening session of the 33^rd IMO Assembly, H.E. Antonio Lagdameo, former  Philippine representative to the IMO, turned over the Philippine presidency of the IMO Assembly to Saudi Arabia.