GOVPH

Economic Planning Secretary Balisacan Articulates Philippine Perspectives on Indian Engagement with Larger Asia

Secretary Balisacan addressing the “India in Asia” Conference

Rajasthan, India – Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan added a Philippine voice to the fertile exchange of ideas among the region’s eminent minds at the “India in Asia: Deeper Engagement Conference” held on 1-3 March at the Neemrana Fort Palace in Rajasthan.

Helmed by the New Delhi-based Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), the Conference brought together policymakers, academics, and experts from various sectors on dynamics, developments and issues impinging on Asia.

It also sought to build and reinforce India’s connectedness in terms of non-governmental interactions with the rest of Asia.

Secretary Balisacan’s participation adds to the recent intensification of Philippine-Indian engagement in virtually all spheres of endeavor, and provides further substance to the ongoing commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Arriving on the eve of the conference via the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the capital, Secretary Balisacan was received by Ambassador-designate Josel F. Ignacio.

Upon his return from Rajasthan three days later, the Ambassador-designate hosted the Secretary to a farewell dinner. Specially invited was Nepali Ambassador Shankar P. Sharma, a classmate of Secretary Balisacan at the University of Hawaii-Manoa. More than a reunion, the gathering served as a vital platform for discussions on Philippine-Nepali ties and potential cooperative ventures. Ambassador-designate Ignacio is also to be accredited to Kathmandu. END

From Left: Third Secretary Mark Anthony P. Dizon, Nepal Ambassador Sharma, Ambassador-designate Ignacio, Economic Planning Secretary Balisacan and Head Executive Assistant Lorenzo Atancio.

Pathways to Heightened PH-Nepal Engagement Explored at Ambassador-Designate’s Introductory Call

Ambassador Sharma welcomes Ambassador-designate Ignacio at the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi

New Delhi, 26 February - Avenues for hoisting cooperation between the Philippines and Nepal to higher levels were discussed at the first meeting between the two countries’ resident chief diplomats in India.

The exchanges took place during the introductory call on Ambassador Shankar P. Sharma by Philippine Ambassador-designate to Nepal Josel F. Ignacio, whose full accreditation by the Nepali government is in process.

The two comprehensively surveyed the state of overall relations and delved as well into specific initiatives and ideas for enhancing tourism. Among these were trade in key sectors such as electronics, tropical fruits, and processed foods, potential collaboration in energy resource development, and air services.

The dialogue also ventured into regional developments and security issues of shared interest. Both sides shared the import of advancing rule of law in interstate disputes and in the maritime commons.

Ambassador Sharma wished Ambassador-designate Ignacio a successful tenure. The Philippine Ambassador, for his part, expressed his resolve to help drive key bilateral initiatives forward and to this end, to visiting Nepal at the soonest opportunity.

The Philippine Embassy in New Delhi is concurrently accredited to Nepal and maintains an Honorary Consulate in Kathmandu. The Nepalese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, meanwhile, is accredited to the Philippines. END

From Left: Third Secretary Mark Anthony P. Dizon, Ambassador-designate Josel F. Ignacio, Ambassador Shankar Sharma, and First Secretary  Dhana Kumari Joshi of the Embassy of Nepal

FILIPINOS IN MUMBAI WELCOME NEW PH AMBASSADOR- Assistance, cohesion, collaboration stressed in first meet

The Filipino Community in Mumbai welcoming Ambassador-designate Ignacio (seated, 2^nd from L). Also gracing the occasion were (L-R) Honorary Consul R. Swaminathan, Honorary Consul General Birla, and Vice Consul Dizon.

Mumbai, 20 February – Representatives of the Filipino Community and their families from Mumbai and adjacent localities warmly welcomed Philippine Ambassador-designate to India Josel F. Ignacio on his first visit to India’s bustling financial hub.

 The evening meet-and-greet was organized by the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in the city. The Consul General, ad honorem, respected philanthropist Mme. Rajashree Birla, led the team and over 80 Filipinos, some with their Indian spouses, in warmly receiving the Ambassador-designate at the Aditya Birla Center.

  Also in attendance were Consul a.h. R. Swaminathan and Vice Consul a.h. Krishnamoorthy Subramaniam.

 Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ignacio expressed elation at the opportunity to meet kababayans and their families, very early into his term. The Philippine envoy arrived and assumed his post in India on 14 January.

 The Ambassador manifested his commitment to advancing the Embassy’s Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) mandate and to continuous improvement relative to consular services. He also outlined his vision for fostering cohesion among Filipino organizations and the entire Filipino diaspora across the subcontinent, and to building collaboration on initiatives in the service of Philippine national development objectives and stronger Philippines-India ties.

The Filipino Community extending warm words of welcome. Also gracing the occasion were (L-R) Honorary Consul R. Swaminathan, Honorary Consul General Birla, and Vice Consul Dizon.

The gathering, one of the largest hosted by the Honorary Consulate in recent years, was capped by dinner and fellowship. The Ambassador-designate and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Mark Anthony P. Dizon freely greeted, mingled and interacted with guests, to the participating Filipinos’ elation and appreciation. The Ambassador pledged to undertake, as soon as practicable, a next visit to Mumbai together with a team to extend consular and other services.

 The Embassy in Delhi is supported by three Honorary Consular posts across India. The Philippine Honorary Consulate in Mumbai extends services to the states of Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. END

One big Filipino family: Filipinos in Mumbai with new Ambassador Ignacio, VC Dizon, Consul General Birla and other guests.

The Filipino Community warmly welcome Ambassador-designate Ignacio and Honorary Consul General Birla on arrival.