PHL envoy fetes Pinoys on New Zealand labor day

Philippine officials in New Zealand lauded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the the "Filipino Grand Reunion" celebrating Labor Day from October 22 to 24. In a news release, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Ambassador Virginia Benavidez noted the contributions of more than 35,000 Filipinos to the national development programs both of the Philippines and New Zealand. “As your new Ambassador to New Zealand, let me say from the bottom of my heart that you all make us proud of being Filipinos and your achievements in various work sectors and professions," Benavidez told the OFWs. "From homes, families, farms, dairies and services to businesses, healthcare, information technology, management, education, finance, crewing, infrastructures and other areas, you all exhibit the Filipino spirit of dedication, self-sacrifice, courage and professional commitment," she said. "Though far from home, your dedication to your families, your love for our country and our culture and your concern for the future of our nation are values that form indelible links between you and those you left behind in our homeland," she added. Benavidez also reassured the Filipino community of the Philippine government’s commitment and concern for them. A highlight of the Grand Reunion celebration was the crowning of Christina Williamson, a 16-year-old Filipino-Kiwi high school student from North Shore, Auckland as Miss Philippines-New Zealand 2011. Pistang Pilipino Meanwhile, thousands of Filipinos attended this year’s “2011 Pistang Pilipino sa Hamilton," hosted by the Waikato Filipino Association. Hamilton is the fourth largest city in New Zealand and home to about 1,500 Filipinos. Benavidez headed an eight-member consular team that conducted the first mobile consular services in Hamilton on October 21 to 23. Some 241 Filipinos availed of the consular services covering passport renewal/issuance, authentication/notarials, NBI fingerprinting and dual citizenship acquisition. The embassy will hold similar mobile services in Ashburton, Auckland, Christchurch, and other parts of New Zealand. - VVP, GMA News