PRES. AQUINO MEETS THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG

By Munting Nayon News Magazine
Photos: Munting Nayon News Magazine
Brussels-Belgium
September 15, 2014



Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III arrived in Brussels, Belgium from Spain on Sept. 15.  The president had a heavy schedule for his two-day visit. His agenda included meeting up with the president of the European Council Herman van Rompuy and the Belgian Prime Minister E. Di Rupo.

On his first day the president had an audience with Belgian King Philippe  at the Royal Palace.

Early in the evening of the same day, the president arrived at the 13^th century Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels where approximately 500 members of the Filipino community representing various groups in Belgium and Luxembourg gathered to welcome him. Waving Philippine flags the community warmly received the president.  Before his arrival,  a mass was held officiated by Fathers Raymund Gaspar, Claude Castiau, Roy Erbite and Robert Godding.

Ambassador to Belgium Victoria Bataclan welcomed the president followed by Secretary of Foreign Alberto F. del Rosario who introduced the president.

The president told his kababayan present how happy he was to see them even if he travelled 15 hours from Manila to Spain and then to Brussels with only half an hour of sleep He said in his travels abroad he makes it a point to be with Filipinos. He praised them for the good image they give to their country.

In his speech he cited the economic gains of the country under his administration. His administration, he said, closes doors to corruption, focuses on health and education and in uplifting the economic condition of the people. He said foreign business now have more confidence to invest in the Philippines.

The whole event….President Aquino Meets the Filipino community was a success, thanks to an “army”of volunteers from the community…from  committees of welcome incoming guests, ushering and catering,
After President Aquino’s speech and standing applause from the community, program’s MC announced that “we can now begin with group photos with President Aquino …..starting with members of the Embassy staff…..”

Outside the cathedral, members of the catering committee were on hand to distribute some 500 merienda packs with bottled water to departing guests.