Filcom Denmark Turns up in Style for PGMA Gathering in Hilton
The Filipino Community in Denmark turned up in regal Filipiniana attire to the get-together with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo organized by the Philippine Embassy at the Hilton Hotel. About 250 leaders and members of the various Filipino associations in Denmark, and even some from the neighboring town of Malmo, Sweden, warmly greeted the President and her delegation to the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP 15) which was held in Copenhagen on Dec 16-18.
Philippine Ambassador to Denmark Elizabeth P. Buensuceso reported to the President that the Filipinos in Denmark are people she can be proud of, showing exemplary capacity to integrate into Danish culture and society while at the same time capable of deeply loving their motherland. “When their country and their countrymen triumph, they rejoice with the entire Filipino nation and take pride in this identity. When our country is struck by disaster or hit with negative publicity, the Filipinos in Denmark grieve with us and rush to the aid and defense of their beloved country.” The Ambassador recounted to the President and her delegation how the Filipinos in Denmark have come to the aid of their country during the onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.
President Arroyo, straight from disembarking from her plane, proceeded to the Hilton ballroom to meet with the Filipinos. She praised the Filipino community in Denmark for their economic assistance to their country through their remittances and their good works. She said that the label ‘ bagong bayani’ is not just a tag but a living testament to how OFW power has helped Philippine economy afloat even at the height of the global economic crisis. She then explained why the current climate change discussions in Copenhagen are of great importance to the Philippines. She decried the fact that while the Philippines contributes only a miniscule amount of carbon dioxide emissions, it is the one suffering the brunt of devastations brought about by climate change. President Arroyo stressed the Philippine position along with other poor and developing nations on the need for bigger cuts in gas emissions and for the availability of funds to support climate change measures in poor countries.“We cannot afford to leave Copenhagen without a deal, based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. For an equitable outcome, developed countries need to lead in reducing emissions,” she said.
President Arroyo then introduced the members of her delegation, consisting among others, of Deputy Speaker Ma. Amelita Vilalrosa, Representatives Nene Nicolas and Iggy Arroyo, Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Heherson Alvarez, Cabinet Secretaries Angelo Reyes, Cerge Remonde and Ricardo Saludo. Senator Loren Legarda could not make it to the dinner because she was attending an important session of the climate change talks. After her speech, the President gamely posed for photos with all the groups, even hopping from table to table to meet the community members.
Ambassador Buensuceso introduced the leaders of the Filipino community in Denmark, including Pastor Raymond Osias of the Filipino Christian Center, Mr. Peter Brian Naidas , President of the Filipino Association of Denmark, Mr. Rogelio Abundo of the Catholic congregation, with special mention of the dynamic duo, Fathers Benny and Joe, Ms. Filomenita Mongaya Hogsholm, President of Babaylan Denmark, Mercy Nielsen, Chairwoman of the Mabuhay Organization of Filipinos, Ms. Haydee Christensen, of the Filipino Society of Denmark, Mr. Einer Lyduch of PUGAD, Ms. Maulita Matthiasen of the Filipino Danish Center or PDC, and Mr. Dexter Soltes Mabuyo of the Jesus is Lord Church. . When it was Rosemarie Christensen’s turn to stand, the Ambassador introduced her as a PGMA look-alike to the amusement of the President and her delegation.
Ambassador Buensuceso thanks all the officers and members of the different associations in Denmark for their support to the Philippine delegation and the embassy in organizing the big event.
