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PHL CONSULATE GENERAL IN MILAN CELEBRATES ENDURING FILIPINO PRESENCE IN RAVENNA

29 September 2014 – The Philippine Consulate General in Milan led by Consul General Marichu Mauro and the entire Filipino community celebrated the 21^st anniversary foundation of Mabuhay Associazione Italo Filippina in Romagna on September 21. Mabuhay was the first immigrant association established in Ravenna, in the region of Emilia Romagna on June 12, 1993.

Mabuhay officers and members warmly welcomed the Philippine Consulate General officials and mentioned this was the very first time that the Consulate General participated in the celebration in Ravenna, located more than 400 kilometers from Milan. 

Consulate General officials also joined in the celebration of the Holy Mass officiated by Italian priest, Fr. Paolo who is also the head of the city’s Philippine chaplaincy. Fr. Paolo extolled the important contribution that Filipinos have continuously been providing Ravenna particularly in the development of its socio-cultural life. He emphasized the longstanding relations of Filipinos with the city of Ravenna.

In her message, Philippine Consul General Mauro highlighted the importance of bringing the Consulate closer to the Filipino community as a way of effectively engaging them in various activities of the Consulate.  She also said that the Consulate General will continue organizing events that will address the community’s welfare. The Consul General also thanked the Italian local authorities for their good treatment of Filipinos and efforts to facilitate Filipinos’ integration into the Italian society.

Ravenna is an inland city that opens to the Adriatic Sea by the Candiano Canal. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its beautiful Byzantine art and is often called the city of mosaics.

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PHL CONSULATE GENERAL IN MILAN CONDUCTS FINANCIAL LITERACY SEMINAR IN GENOVA

11 September 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Milan in partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) sponsored a seminar on financial literacy in Genova on September 7 attended by Filipinos from various organizations in the area. The theme of the seminar was “Sama-sama sa Pag-ahon ng Bayan.”

Vice Consul Maria Rosanna O. Josue expressed her appreciation for the presence of the participants stating that this was an important opportunity for them to gain knowledge on how to manage their finances.

The resource speakers were Ms. Cynthia Q. Lamban, Acting Labor Attaché, and Mr. Randy Lamsen, Area Director of Filinvest International. Mr. Lamsen started his presentation on the reasons why Filipinos go abroad, inviting the participants to also share their goals. He summarized that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are not always successful in pursuing their goals, so they must avoid returning home with no savings at all. He emphasized the importance of following the formula: “earnings minus savings equals expenses.” Mr. Lamsen gave an overview on the various types of investment opportunities which include insurance, mutual fund, variable unit linked (VUL), stocks and real estate.

Ms. Lamban spoke about loan facilities and investment schemes especially on agribusiness offered by the Philippine government to OFWs.

The seminar ended successfully, and as this was the first time in Genova, it was well appreciated by the participants.

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PHL CONSULATE GENERAL IN MILAN LAUNCHES FINANCIAL LITERACY SEMINAR IN BOLOGNA

10 September 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General together with Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Milan sponsored a seminar on financial literacy with the theme “Sama-sama sa Pag-ahon ng Bayan,” in Bologna on September 6. The seminar was organized as part of the Consulate’s Gender Awareness Development initiatives. Working women from various Filipino associations in that city attended the seminar. 

In her opening remarks, Philippine Consul General Marichu Mauro stressed the importance of empowering working women not only in the work place but also as individuals. She encouraged the participants to take advantage of the economic growth in the Philippines and support the country’s various economic initiatives by investing in the sectors of their choice. The Consul General also mentioned that the financial literacy or education is important in promoting the overseas Filipino worker’s (OFW’s) entrepreneurial spirit and strengthening their business acumen.

The resource speakers were Ms. Cynthia Lamban, Acting Labor Attaché and Mr. Randy Lamsen, Area Director of Filinvest International. The seminar touched on the goals of the participants and their reasons for working abroad. It was acknowledged that OFW stories are not always successful, with some of them ending up without financial stability in their old age.

The seminar succeeded in conveying that each individual has the power to invest and save starting from being financially literate and being aware of investment opportunities. Types of investments are insurance, variable unit insurance, stocks and real estate, among others. Being healthy is also considered as an investment because it avoids spending money on medicines. Ms. Lamban talked on the various investment schemes and facilities offered by the Philippine government to  OFWs.

The seminar, organized in cooperation with the Associazione Donna Filippine (Filipino Women Association), was held for the first time in Bologna which was well appreciated by all the participants.