Philippine Ambassador-designate to Germany Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with members of the Filipino Community based in Hamburg and nearby areas last May 11.

With the assistance of the Philippinishe Katolische Mission (Philippine Catholic Mission) led by Rev. Fr. Simon Boiser, SVD, Chaplain and Pastor June Mark Yanez of the German Seaman’s Mission, over 20 Filipino community leaders took part in an hour-long dialogue with Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and Consul General Lillibeth Pono. Among the matters discussed were forthcoming consular outreach missions to the area, common concerns affecting Filipinos and Filipino-Germans, major community activities in the coming months, the conduct of the 2019 Overseas Voting, and ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Embassy and the Community.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega thanked the community members for their active participation, noting that “their continuing commitment is proof that the sense of community of Filipinos overseas is one of the country’s greatest strengths.”

After the Community Dialogue, the Ambassador and Consul General Pono visited the Duckdalben International Seaman’s Club, where Filipino-German staff member and former seafarer Nonie Olmedo briefed them on services and facilities provided to many Filipino seafarers on shore leave in Hamburg. END