Philippine Ambassador to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with Mr. Torsten Klavs, Manager for Qualifications of Porsche at the Porsche Office in Stuttgart, Germany on 13 June 2019.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega discussed with Mr. Klavs the latest developments and future direction of the ground-breaking Porsche Training Center in the Philippines in partnership with the Don Bosco Technical Institute.

A Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of Porsche, this innovative program was presented at the Global Forum on Migration & Development as a model for developing the global talent pool. Porsche, headquartered in Stuttgart is not only a leader in automotive design and manufacturing, but is also contributing to developing the work force of the future by providing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities to many underprivileged students in the Philippines with an aptitude for automotive mechanics and technology.  END

Philippine Ambassador Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega presented her credentials today to H.E. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, at Bellevue Palace in Berlin.

As is customary in such state events, the Ambassador and her entourage were escorted by officials of the Protocol Division of the German Foreign Ministry to the Presidential Palace.

Upon arrival at the palace grounds, the Ambassador was welcomed by the Chief of Protocol and given military honors by the German Armed Forces. She was then invited to sign the Palace’s official guest book, followed by the formal presentation of her credentials and the letter of recall of her predecessor to President Steinmeier.

The officials had a brief private meeting after the presentation. During the meeting, President Steinmeier and Ambassador Dizon-De Vega had a cordial and substantial discussion about various aspects of Philippine-Germany relations and looked forward to more active engagement in the years.

The ceremony ended with departure military honors and the raising of the Philippine flag over the Palace grounds.

The Ambassador was accompanied by her spouse, Philippine Ambassador to Belgium, the EU, and non-resident Ambassador to Luxembourg Eduardo Jose De Vega; Philippine Consul General in Frankfurt Evelyn Austria-Garcia; Minister and Consul General Lillibeth V. Pono; and other Embassy officials.

Prior to her assignment in Germany, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega was Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of the Undersecretary for Administration. She has served twice as Chief Coordinator of the Department of Foreign Affairs.She also served as Consul General in New York from 2016 to 2018. Her other foreign postings include the United Kingdom, Hong Kong SAR, China, and Mexico. END

The Filipino Pastoral Community of Holy Spirit Church based in the Charlottenburg District of Berlin, Germany and the Philippine Embassy jointly ushered in the 121^st Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence Day on 09 June 2019.

The event featured messages from Ambassador Dizon-De Vega who likewise read the Independence Day message of DFA Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., Fr. Tranquilino De Ocampo, SVD, a performance by Filipino-German youth, and Community singing. The program was followed by a reception.

The activity held annually brings together Filipinos and Filipino-German community members across several generations in re-affirming love of country and their Filipino roots. Prayers for the Philippines and the Filipino community in Germany were offered in several Philippine languages by officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy.

The event ushers a month-long celebration of the commemoration of Philippine Independence throughout Germany. END