PH EMBASSY IN NAIROBI JOINS PH DELEGATIONS TO THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT AND G-77 SOUTH SUMMITS IN UGANDA

The Philippine delegation to the 19^th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is led by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo (seventh from left).

NAIROBI, 29 January 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi joined the Philippine delegations to the 19^th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 (G77) Third South Summit held back-to-back from 15 to 22 January 2024 at the Speke Munyonyo Resort in Kampala, Uganda.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo led the Philippine delegation to the NAM Summit held on 19-20 January 2024, while Secretary Ivan John Uy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) headed the Philippine delegation to the G77 Third South Summit held on 21-22 January 2024.

Reflecting on the Summit theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence”, Secretary Manalo urged the NAM, composed of 121 Member States, to strengthen their solidarity as a Movement “of developing countries, by developing countries, and for developing countries”. He also urged NAM to revitalize itself to be able to rise up to common global challenges including climate change, and champion an open, inclusive and rules-based international order.

Meanwhile, Secretary Uy of the DICT reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to G77 as a platform for advancing the interests of developing countries and promoting South-South cooperation including in the areas of digital inclusion and innovation.

The Philippine delegations also held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts, including from Uganda, Tanzania, Seychelles, and Rwanda towards the strengthening of bilateral relations and promoting cooperation in multilateral fora.

The participation of Secretary Manalo and Secretary Uy in the two Summits in Uganda signaled not only the Philippines’ solidarity with the causes of developing countries, but also its strong desire to deepen cooperation with African countries.

The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi, headed by Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang, oversees the Philippines’ relations with Uganda. END

Secretary Enrique A. Manalo delivers the Philippine statement at the NAM Summit. 

Secretary Enrique A. Manalo (right) and Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs January Yusuk Makamba (left) discuss ways to enhance Philippines-Tanzania cooperation including in the areas of trade, investments, agriculture, and fisheries. 

 Secretary Enrique A. Manalo (right) meets with Seychelles Foreign Minister Sylvestre Radegonde (left) on how the cordial relations between the Philippines and Seychelles can be further strengthened.  

 Secretary Enrique A. Manalo (third from left) holds a bilateral meeting with Gen. James Kabarebe (Ret.), Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda (second from left), on the sidelines of the Summit.

 Undersecretary for Multilateral and Economic International Relations Charles Jose of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) (left) meets with Mr. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda during which they discussed opportunities for South-South cooperation.

 Secretary Ivan John Uy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) (second from left) meets with his Ugandan counterpart, Minister Chris Baryomusni of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (third from left). They are joined by Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang, Philippine non-resident envoy to Uganda (leftmost); Ambassador Betty Bigombe, Ugandan non-resident envoy to the Philippines (fourth from left); and Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Principal Secretary of the Ugandan Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (rightmost).

Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang (fifth from left) with some members of the Philippine delegation at the NAM Senior Officials Meeting, ahead of the NAM Summit.

PH EMBASSY IN NAIROBI COMMEMORATES 127^th ANNIVERSARY OF DR. JOSE RIZAL’S MARTYRDOM

Chargé d’affaires, a.i.  Maria Rosanna O. Josue delivers her brief message on the commemoration of the 127^th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom.

NAIROBI, 22 December 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi commemorated the 127^th anniversary of the patriotism and martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal through a simple ceremony held at the chancery lobby on 21 December 2023.

This year's theme, "Rizal: Pundasyon ng Kahapon, Isinasabuhay Ngayon" (Rizal: Foundation of the Past, Living Today), inspired reflections on how Dr. Rizal's principles and values remain relevant in today's society. Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Maria Rosanna O. Josue, in her brief message, emphasized the significance of Rizal Day as a time to embrace his legacy not just in remembrance, but also in action. She added that it is also a call to all Filipinos to embody the virtues Dr. Rizal advocated for – courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.

Earlier in the month, Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang, during her recent visit to Kigali, Rwanda, presented Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta with an English-translated copy of El Filibusterismo. This novel, written by Dr. Rizal, is known for its stark depiction of social injustices and corruption in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial rule and became instrumental in igniting the Philippine revolution and national awakening of the people.

In 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo declared December 30^th, the anniversary of Dr. Rizal's execution by firing squad in 1896 in Bagumbayan, Manila, as a national day of mourning. This day pays tribute to Dr. Rizal and other heroes who fought Spanish colonialism for three centuries. During the American era, the Philippine Commission enacted Act No. 345, making December 30^th an official holiday. Since then, Filipinos have yearly celebrated Rizal Day, honoring the country's national hero. END

On 05 December 2023, Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang presents Rwandan Foreign Minister with an English-translated copy of El Filibusterismo, one of Dr. Jose Rizal’s most famous works.

Nairobi PE personnel conduct a flag-raising ceremony on the observance of Rizal Day 2023.

Nairobi PE officers and staff lay flowers at the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal.

PH EMBASSY IN NAIROBI CELEBRATES YEAR-END FESTIVITIES WITH FILIPINO COMMUNITIES ACROSS EAST AFRICA

The officers and staff of Nairobi PE with the Filipino community in Kenya

NAIROBI, 19 December 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi took part in a series of thanksgiving and year-end celebrations with Filipino communities in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, showcasing the vibrant spirit and solidarity of Filipinos abroad.

On 03 December 2023, the Embassy hosted its annual salu-salo, in collaboration with Filcom-Kenya, an organization of Filipinos based in the country.

Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang, in her remarks, thanked the Filipino community for their unwavering support for the Embassy’s activities throughout the year. She also encouraged the Filipinos in Kenya and other African countries to continue fostering the spirit of community and collaboration.

The celebration commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass led by Fr. Norman Labutan, followed by a salu-salo, a traditional Filipino feast, which featured an array of Filipino delicacies. Adding to the festive atmosphere were Christmas-themed parlor games and a raffle draw, which provided entertainment and excitement for all attendees.

A highlight of the gathering is the Christmas Carol competition, where participants delighted the audience with their beautiful rendition of classic carols, filling the atmosphere with festive cheer. The event also included a Parol-making contest, in which participants created their own versions of Filipino Christmas lanterns, out of recycled materials, showcasing their creativity and environmental awareness.

On 04 December 2023, Ambassador Tang, accompanied by Vice Consul Louie Dane C. Merced and Attaché Sherlyn M. Roxas, joined the Filipino community in Rwanda for a salu-salo hosted by Ms. Rachel Lynn V. Pineda, Philippine Honorary Consul in Kigali. The gathering provided an opportunity for Ambassador Tang to reconnect with Filipinos in Rwanda, following her first visit in 2022, and to address some of their questions and concerns.

Meanwhile, on 10 December 2023, Vice Consul Merced and Attaché Jose D. Aguilera Jr. participated in the year-end gathering of Filipinos in Kampala, Uganda, organized by the Filipino Foundation in Uganda Ltd. (FFUL). The gathering provided an opportunity for Filipinos in Uganda to reconnect with each other, and also share their blessings with the less fortunate. 

These gatherings not only celebrated the end of the year, but also reinforced the Filipino diaspora's strong bonds and shared cultural heritage, highlighting their resilience and positive impact within their respective communities. END

From left: Fr. Ronald Espartero, Fr. Norman Labutan, Fr. James Dela Serna and Fr. Deem Virtudazo during the celebration of Thanksgiving Mass

Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang delivers her year-end message for the Filipino community

Participants of Parol-making contest proudly showcased their own creations

Christmas carol contestants delight the audience with their serenades.Team Flaming Lemon (bottom left) wins the grand prize.

Pinoy salu-salo serves a variety of Filipino dishes prepared by the community, including, among others, lechon baboy, chicken and pork adobo, beef tapa, pancit palabok, and bicol express.

Ambassador Tang (seated at the center) with Consul, a.h. Rachel Lynn Pineda and Vice Consul Louie Dane Merced (both seated beside Amb. Tang) with the Filipino community in Rwanda.

Vice Consul Merced and Attaché Jose Aguilera, Jr. join the Filipino community in Uganda in their year-end celebration.