Envoy: Pinoys' bayanihan spirit seen in oil spill cleanup in New Zealand

Last month’s oil spill incident in New Zealand caused by a ship skippered by a Filipino, has given an occasion for Filipinos to demonstrate the bayanihan spirit, even as they continue to make contributions to nation-building there. Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia Benavidez stressed this to New Zealand Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control Georgina te Heuheu in Parliament last Oct. 25. “Benavidez ... agreed with the Minister that Filipinos continue to make important contributions to nation-building in New Zealand and the lives of its people," the Department of Foreign Affairs said. The DFA said Te Heuheu earlier told Benavidez she had been to the Philippines and feels “very close" to the 35,000-strong Filipino community in New Zealand with whom Maoris (people of New Zealand) share similar values. Last month, the Liberian-flagged MV Rena caused an oil spill after being stranded on a reef off Tauranga when it ran aground. Its Filipino captain has been charged in court. While the incident triggered some antagonism towards Filipinos, the DFA stressed the mishap also brought out the best in Filipinos as they volunteered to help clean up the beaches of Tauranga. Benavidez’s call on Te Heuheu was part of the Philippine Embassy's continuing drive to enhance people-to-people ties with New Zealand. During their meeting, Benavidez congratulated Te Heuheu for the victory of New Zealand's All Blacks Rugby Team, 2011 Rugby World Cup Champions last Sunday in Eden Park, Auckland. Benavidez had rooted for the All Blacks Team and exhorted the Filipino community to be one with the people of New Zealand in supporting and cheering for the All Blacks national team. Te Heuheu thanked Benavidez and replied that the victory by the All Blacks was historic. — LBG, GMA News