06 July 2022, CANBERRA – Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega met the Filipino community in Darwin, Northern Territory on 27 June 2022 at the Filipino Community Centre.

The meet and greet and salu salo was organized by the Filipino-Australian Association of the Northern Territory (FAANT) currently led by Ms. Emcille Wills, president of the organization. FAANT was organized in 1973 with Philippine Honorary Consul General John Rivas as a founding member.

A special dance number and a demonstration of the Filipino martial arts Arnis were presented to showcase the talents of the FAANT Youth Group.

In her remarks, Ambassador De La Vega provided updates on the Philippine economy. She reminded the community of the many opportunities in the Northern Territory to support the Philippines’ economic recovery post-pandemic and the evolution of Philippines-Australia partnership. Ambassador De La Vega thanked the community for its support for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Australia relations in 2021. She further enjoined those present to continue to work together to further raise the profile of the Filipino community in Australia.--END