The Philippine Embassy in Berlin and its attached agencies, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC-Berlin) and the soon-to-open Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO-Berlin), held the inaugural Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) seminar in Germany in Hamburg on 13 July, alongside the Embassy’s Consular Outreach activity at the Kleiner Michel Parish.

The TNK is a joint initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that aims to help realize the country’s Ambisyon 2040: Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay by increasing opportunities for decent work and livelihood for everyone, including overseas Filipinos.

Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-de Vega kicked off the seminar, which drew more than 30 attendees, with an overview of the Philippine government’s priorities, policies, and programs and the role of Overseas Filipinos in realizing these. She cited the theme of this year’s Independence Day celebration, “Tapang at Malasakit,” and its relevance in guiding efforts to contribute to nation-building.

Chef Lazaro “Larry” Galicia then delivered a testimonial about getting into the food business, drawing on his experience running Larry’s Bar and Restaurant in Lübeck, one of the longest-running and best-reviewed Filipino food establishments in Germany. His sharing set off a spirited discussion with the seminar participants on the challenges of promoting Filipino food abroad, especially Filipino diners’ proclivity to compare Filipino restaurants’ fare to their own home cooking.

Jumping off from Chef Larry’s experiences, Commercial Counselor Althea Antonio talked about the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, and outlined different business models that Overseas Filipinos can consider, such as franchising, startup ventures, e-commerce, and agri-tourism. She noted that more than 1,000 DTI Negosyo Centers have been set up all over the country to support new businesses. She encouraged the seminar participants, however, to do a self-analysis on which line of business would be most suitable for them, before taking the leap. Alternatively, family members of overseas Filipinos could be encouraged to invest remittances from overseas in business ventures.

 

Ms Kristine Wiesner, a Filipino based in Hamburg who has worked with a German renewable energy company, then gave a presentation about opportunities to invest in energy projects in the Philippines. She noted that renewable energy projects that help bring electricity to off-grid communities can be particularly rewarding, not only in the financial sense, but also in terms of its contribution to sustainability and social uplift.

 

Incoming Labor Attaché to Germany Atty. Delmer Cruz rounded off the event with a briefing on the services offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), including its provision of livelihood loans and assistance to Overseas Filipinos with eligible business plans.

The Embassy, together with PTIC-Berlin, POLO-Berlin, as well as the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, intends to roll out the TNK program to other cities in Germany with sizeable Filipino communities. (END)

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

The Philippine Embassy in Berlin, in partnership with Berlin-based Filipino talent pool TALENTO, hosted a cultural evening entitled “Alab: Take a Bow against VAW (Violence Against Women)” on 12 December 2018, the final day of the 18-day Campaign to End VAW celebrated across the Philippines.

In her opening remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Lillibeth V. Pono cited a Philippine Statistics Authority survey in 2017, which revealed that up to 1 in 3 Filipino women has experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence committed by their husband or partner. In line with the theme of this year’s campaign “A VAW-free community starts with me,” she gave examples of what we, as individuals, can do to help combat the VAW epidemic. She highlighted the power of art to counter the blunt force of violence.

“Alab” showcased the works of visual artists Isa Tabasuares, Krisanta Caguioa-Mönnich and Rowena Dufale-Borsich. It also featured short documentaries by filmmakers Michaela Lola Abrera and Kay Abaño, and a recorded performance by dancer Izah Jeandelle Hankammer.  During the program, Catherine Abon read beautiful and empowering poems which included renowned American poet Maya Angelou´s “Still I Rise”.  Tenor Jose Mari Rubio sang Ryan Cayabyab´s “Iniibig Kita”, while acoustic singer Carlo Thelmo delivered a pop medley and Ed Sheeran´s “Perfect”.

Afterwards, the audience, composed of Filipino graduate students, young professionals and second generation Filipino-Germans, as well as their German and other foreign friends, were treated to a sumptuous Filipino salu-salo. The Embassy conducted a trivia game on important Filipino women in history and current affairs after which the mic was opened for performances by the guests.

“Alab” documentaries and artworks may be viewed at the Philippine Embassy on Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 4pm until 28 December 2018, except on holidays.  END