Team Philippines in Germany Holds 2020 Planning Conference in Berlin

Representatives of the different Philippine foreign service posts, attached agencies, and Honorary Consulates met in Berlin for the 2020 Planning Conference (photos by R. Estrella)

Philippine Ambassador to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega convened the 2020 Planning Conference for all Philippine foreign service posts in Germany, attached agencies, and Philippine Honorary Consulates on 02 December 2019 in Berlin.

The one-day Planning Conference provided an opportunity for Philippine Government representatives in Germany to take stock of activities, initiatives, and programs for 2019 and to discuss their respective Work Plans for4 the coming year. Points of convergence in Work Plans were noted in order to dovetail efforts across all Philippine posts and offices across Germany.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega opened the Conference by noting that Philippine-Germany relations continue to be active but that more engagement is needed across all aspects of our relations. She likewise mentioned that 2019 marked a number of milestones including the re-opening of the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, the establishment of a new Philippine Embassy building in Berlin, the opening of a resident Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the appointment of a new Honorary Consul Mr. Joaquim Rumstadt covering North Rhine Westphalia, Rhineland Palatinate, and Saarland

Joining the conference were the entire Philippine Embassy in Berlin officer complement, Deputy Consul General Emilio Fernandez of the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, Commercial Counselor Althea Antonio of PTIC-Berlin, Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz of POLO-Berlin, Welfare Officer Sylvia Gabrial of POLO-Berlin, Ms. Annabelle Apostol representing Tourism Director Margarita Valdes of the PDOT-Frankfurt, Philippine Honorary Consul for Bavaria Stefan Detig, Ms. Rhoda Steegmaier representing Honorary Consul for Bad Württemberg Dr. Axel Neumahr, and new Honorary Consul Rumstadt. END