COMELEC Thanks DFA for Its Contributions to the Successful Conduct of the 2019 Midterm Elections Overseas

Ambassador-designate Dizon-De Vega (2nd from right) and Minister and Consul Lillibeth Pono (extreme right) with Filipino crew members of AIDA Perla.

As part of efforts to reach out to Filipinos all over Germany, a team from the Philippine Embassy in Berlin, personally led by Ambassador-designate Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, brought the elections to Filipino seafarers on board vessels docked at the port of Hamburg on May 11 and 12.

With the assistance of German cruise operator AIDA, 41 crew members of the vessels AIDA Perla and AIDA Sol were able to cast their votes in this year’s Senate and party-list elections.

“Our able seafarers man a significant proportion of the world’s commercial vessels, and their hard work, far from our own shores and their families, contributes a lot to our economy. This is why the Embassy considers it important and exerts extra effort to give them a voice in charting our country’s future,” the Ambassador said.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and her team warmly welcomed the seafarers who perform various tasks on board. They took time out of their busy working day to exercise their right to vote, and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in this important democratic exercise.

Hamburg is home to Germany’s busiest port. It is a frequent destination and port of call for Filipino seafarers working on commercial vessels from all over the world. END