Bandar Seri Begawan, 03 February 2020 - In line with the Philippine government’s efforts in empowering Overseas Filipinos, the Philippine Embassy held its first Kapihan sa Pasuguan 2020 at the Philippine Chancery on 31 January 2020, with more than sixty (60) leaders from the Filipino Community Organizations in Brunei Darussalam in attendance.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Christopher B. Montero thanked the Filipino Community leaders for actively supporting the successful implementation of the Embassy’s programs and initiatives in the previous year, highlighting the institution of the Sunday Consular Services in the first week of each month, the Consular Outreach Missions in far-flung areas outside of Bandar Seri Begawan, the Issuance of a Filipino Citizen Registration Cards, as well as other improvements instituted for the delivery of services to the Filipino Community.

Ambassador Montero also took the opportunity remind the Filipino Community leaders on important precautionary measures and tips to be observed in order to reduce exposure to, and transmission of, the novel coronavirus that is rapidly spreading across the globe.

Among the other topics presented and discussed during the event were:

• The Embassy’s Notional Calendar of Events for 2020 presented by Cultural Officer Rose Paz Cornista, which includes a number of seminars and forums that not only aims to promote the welfare and interests of Overseas Filipinos in Brunei, but to showcase Philippine culture in the country as well.
• The Updated Contingency Plan of the Embassy presented by Colonel Jose Ricky A. Laniog, Defense and Armed Forces Attaché (DAFA), to keep the Filipino community aware of the Alert Level system implemented by the Philippine Government when emergencies arise, as well as to apprise them of the critical role Filipino community leaders in the implementation of the Contingency Plan.
• Briefing by Labor Attaché Melissa Mendizabal on on-going preparations for the 36^th Brunei National Day Parade that is expected to by joined by almost 200 participants from the Filipino Community.

The Kapihan sa Pasuguan is a regular forum organized by the Embassy for Filipinos in Brunei to keep them abreast of its services or programs, as well as of current developments that affect them. END