The Philippine Embassy in Berlin

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Filipino Community Members in Germany Join TNK Franchising Webinar

Amb. Dizon-De Vega joins other Philippine Ambassadors and franchise experts at the Webinar (photo by PTIC-Berlin)

Members of the Filipino Community in Germany joined other overseas Filipinos in Europe principally from Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands for a Trabaho, Negosyo, at Kabuhayan (TNK) Webinar on Franchising Opportunities in the Philippines on 08 August 2020.

The webinar was organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTIC) in Brussels headed by Commercial Counselor Benedict Uy and Berlin, Germany headed by Commercial Counselor Althea Antonio in cooperation with the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) led by its President Sherill R. Quintana. The activity was supported by the Philippine Embassies in Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, and Austria.

The participants in the Webinar were provided with valuable information and advice by franchising experts such as PFA Vice Chair Bing Sibal-Limjoco and Mr. Chris Lim.

On hand to introduce their franchise brands were representatives of successful Philippine companies Bibingkinitan, Oryspa, Potato Corner, Pure Nectar, and consulting group U-Franchise brands representing labels such as Brent Gas, H2O Mineral Plus, and Shawarma Shack.

In her brief message, Philippine Ambassador to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega echoed the call of her fellow Ambassadors in encouraging overseas Filipinos to help build up the Philippine economy further, generate additional employment and promote consumer interest by looking at franchising options.

This is the second TNK seminar held in Germany this year after the inaugural session held in Hamburg in February 2020. END

Philippine Embassy Joins 53rd ASEAN Day Commemoration in Berlin

Amb. Dizon-De Vega (1st row 4th from left) joins other ASEAN Ambassadors and representatives

The Philippine Embassy in Berlin represented by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Political Officer Alvin Malasig joined the commemoration of the 53rd ASEAN Foundation Day at the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Berlin on 10 August 2020.

The program included a solemn ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony with representatives of all ten Embassies of the ASEAN member states present.

This was followed by special messages from Lao PDR Ambassador Phomma Boutthavong, current Chair of the Berlin ASEAN Committee (BAC) and Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu of Vietnam which is the 2020 ASEAN Chair.

Both Ambassadors called on greater ASEAN solidarity as the region faces unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic which has affected all aspects of life in ASEAN and around the world. END

Amb. Nguyen Minh Vu of Vietnam and Amb. Phomma Boutthavong of Lao PDR (all photos by Berlin PE)

​Meet and greet with newly arrived nurses

Amb. Dizon-De Vega (center 1st row), flanked by Labor Attache Delmer Cruz and Welfare Officer Sylvia Gabriel, with the newly-arrived Filipino nurses.

A group of 13 Filipino nurses who arrived in Berlin in late July to take up employment in Germany were yesterday welcomed by the Philippine Embassy in Berlin. The nurses, who were brought in by Geras GmbH and its Philippine recruitment agency partner Global Resource for Outsourced Workers (GROW) Inc., had been undergoing preparations to work in Germany since 2018.

Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega led the welcoming team, and was joined by Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz, Welfare Officer Sylvia Gabriel, and Consul Catherine Torres. The brief program was held at the Embassy’s outdoor amphitheater with hygiene measures observed in light of the COVID-19 situation.

Filipino nurse Bryan Robles delivers a short message on behalf of the nurses (all photos by Berlin PE)

The Ambassador congratulated the nurses for making it through various hurdles and wished them well on the next phase of their life in Germany: integration. She assured them that the Embassy would be there to support them should they encounter difficulties, and encouraged them to get in touch with the Embassy and POLO-Berlin in case the need arises. Labor Attaché Cruz seconded this and also encouraged the nurses to uphold the world-class reputation of Filipino healthcare workers.

Mr Shaun Procter of Geras GmbH briefly recounted the long process of bringing the nurses in, which he was first inspired to do after experiencing excellent service from the Filipino crewmembers of a cruise ship. Afterwards, one of the nurses, Mr Bryan Robles, gave a brief testimonial where he acknowledged the nurses’ mixed emotions in coming to Germany to practice their profession at a time when there are also health challenges back home. He said that, ultimately, the decision is a fulfillment of a long-term aspiration not only for themselves but also for their families.

The program then segued to a more informal exchange as each of the nurses introduced themselves and shared their journey over simple merienda fare from Ayan Filipino Streetfood Restaurant. END.

Repatriation Flight for Filipino Seafarers Departs from Germany

29 July 2020, Berlin – 167 Filipino seafarers departed from Hamburg International Airport today on board a chartered Condor Airlines flight bound for Manila. The flight passengers come from different maritime companies, with the bulk of over 70 crewmembers affiliated with Marlowe Shipping Management Company based in Germany. Other passengers were employed by various maritime companies in Europe. The flight arrangements were coordinated by BTH Travel Hamburg with the Philippine Embassy in Germany.

On hand to assist in the repatriation efforts in Hamburg were Philippine Ambassador to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega, OWWA Welfare Officer Sylvia Gabriel, and Consular staff Renante Estrella and Vieto Pilapil.

Before proceeding to their boarding gate, the seafarers were given links to the AKAP program and other benefits for displaced OFWs by the Welfare Officer Gabriel.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega expressed the hope that the returning crewmembers, who worked mostly on cargo vessels, would eventually find employment again in the international maritime sector. END

Filipino crewmembers from different maritime companies check-in at Hamburg International Airport (all photos Berlin PE)

 

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega with Welfare Officer Sylvia Gabriel send-off Filipino crewmembers

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CONTACT US

Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin
Phone: +49 (0) 30 864 95 00
info@philippine-embassy.de
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For Consular-related Queries please send directly to the respective email addresses below)

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Consular Hotline: +49 (0) 173 521 5703 (For queries on Consular Services)

Email Addresses:

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(civilregistry@philippine-embassy.de);

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(consular@philippine-embassy.de)

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Philippine Migrant Workers Office (MWO)

For OEC and Verification of Employment Contracts of Balik-Manggagawa in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and Russia:

Mobile: +49 17681317465 (WhatsApp);
email: mwo.germanyoec@gmail.com

For accreditation of Agency and Direct Hires in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and Russia:

Mobile: +49 15229021623 (WhatsApp/Viber)
email: germany@mwoberlin.com

For OWWA membership, welfare, and labor case assistance:

Mobile: +49 152 2823 8085 (WhatsApp)
email: owwamemb@gmail.com; mwo_berlin@dmw.gov.ph

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