05 December 2022 - Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega witnessed the Australia Philippines Business Council’s (APBC) launch of its “Food Cultures and Tourism Exchange” Video Series at its End of Year Celebration on 02 December 2022 at Sofitel Darling Harbour in Sydney.

Through a grant from the Australia ASEAN Council (AAC)-Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the APBC is promoting hospitality and tourism - industries heavily affected by the pandemic - by showcasing regional Filipino and Australian dishes and destinations through a video series. The first two videos of the twelve-part series on the Cebu Lechon Roll and Maranao Pandan Tamakonsi were shown at the event. The APBC’s complete video series will officially be posted on its Youtube channel.

In her remarks, Ambassador De La Vega expressed appreciation to the APBC for its continued partnership with the Embassy. She highlighted the continued expansion of the Philippine economy which posted 7.6 percent growth in the third quarter of 2022. Emphasizing the crucial role of the private sector in building robust commercial ties, Ambassador De La Vega looked forward to continuing close engagement with the APBC to expand bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Assistant Secretary Hugh Robilliard also graced the event and delivered remarks on behalf of the Australian government. END