Filcom members performing the Balagtasan

In commemoration of the 230th birth anniversary of the great Filipino poet Francisco Balagtas, the Cultural Officer of the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw Ms. Imelda de Joya initiated the first-ever “balagtasan” during the “pulong bayan” (community meeting) held on 29 April 2018 at the Embassy.

Filcom member with Ms. Imelda de Joya (extreme right)

Participants to the balagtasan recited passages from “Alin ang Higit na Mahalagang Taglayin: ang Dunong, ang Yaman, ang Sipag, o ang Ganda?” – the classic balagtasan between F.D. Abalos at B. del Valle.
The participants from the Embassy were Mr. Marden Garduque and Ms. Imelda de Joya. The partcipants from the Filipino community in Warsaw were: Ms. Marcelina Gocotano, Mrs. Aurorita Martin, Ms. Hazel Almoite, Ms. Ma. Reena Peralta, Ms. Lanie de Leon, Ms. Joy Albutra, Ms. Maria Jeny Chen, Ms. Ana Liza Sicat, Ms. Lazel Cabaya, and Ms. Jessa Kristine Pis-an.

Consul Maria Alnee Gamble opening the forum with Filcom members
on how to enhance the delivery of consular services

During the same event, Consul Maria Alnee Gamble informed the members of the community about the quick means by which any of them needing assistance may reach the embassy on a 24/7 basis.
The views and suggestion of the members of the Filipino community on how to improve the Embassy’s consular services, were likewise elicited.
She also conducted the once-in-a-month pro-active consultation session for OFWs dubbed “Kabayan, Idulog mo sa Embassy”.(END)