15 October 2019 – Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda today represented the Philippines during the ceremonial opening of the 71st Frankfurt Book Fair which was attended by leading officials from government and movers-and-shakers from the corporate world, particularly the publishing sector.

Delivering remarks was a lineup of distinguished personalities that included Juergen Boos, President/CEO of Frankfurter Buchmesse, Heinrich Riethmüller, President of the Börsenvereins des Deutschen Buchhandels, Peter Feldmann, Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main, Volker Bouffier, Prime Minister of Hessen, Heiko Maas, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Erna Solberg, Norwegian Prime Minister. Among the concerns addressed by the various speakers were issues such as climate change and the environment, digitization and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, migration and developing democracies.

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda delivered an engaging lecture on Philippine weaving  tradition  entitled, Piňa-Seda  Weaving and Embroidery in  the Philippines,  before students and professors of Ruhr University on 15 October 2019 in Bochum, Germany.

She  underscored   that “the piňa–seda weaving and embroidery are only a few of hundreds of stories of the  Philippine weavers.”  She expressed  hope that through the combined  efforts of her office and the Consulate, the Philippines can further enrich the Philippine weaving tradition and make the  piňa–seda  textile a prized item in Germany and the rest of Europe.

The  Deputy Speaker  explained  the process  of piňa-seda weaving  and embroidery  for piňa-seda, and expounded on the importance of promoting traditional textiles as they bring together industries, communities,  and people.

“The strengthening of the local tropical fabrics industry is attuned to our advocacy of promoting sustainable  development  and preserving  our rich  heritage. It will also provide jobs especially for  those  in  the  countryside.   Furthermore,  it  unlocks  the  creativity  of  Filipinos,  which  is overflowing,” the Deputy Speaker said.

Consul General  Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia expressed appreciation to Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) officials, professors  and students  and  hoped that the  Deputy  Speaker’s  lecture  has sparked further interest in Philippine culture and studies.

The event is the first time that a high-level elected Philippine government official delivered such lecture at the German University.  The activity forms part of the Consulate’s efforts to promote Philippine  culture under its jurisdiction.  It  is also an offshoot  of the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Travelling Exhibition,  an exhibition  featuring  piňa-seda woven and embroidered  fabrics from Aklan weavers and Laguna embroiderers,  that was presented by the Consulate  in November last year.

The lecture signals the start of a series of lectures, conference, seminars, and other activities concerning  the Philippines at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) in line with the agreement  that was signed by the Consulate and RUB to promote Philippine studies earlier in the day. END

An agreement between the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt and Ruhr University Bochum creating a Philippine studies program was signed on 15 October 2019 in Bochum, Germany.

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, a staunch advocate of Philippine culture and principal sponsor of the project, witnessed the signing of the agreement by Consul General Evelyn D. Austria Garcia and  Prof.  Axel  Scholmerich,  Rector of  Ruhr University Bochum  (RUB). After  the ceremony,  Deputy Speaker  Legarda delivered  a  lecture  on  Philippine textile tradition  to students of Ruhr University. She also visited an exhibition of Philippine ethnographic objects at  the  University’s  exhibition  area  at  the  GA  Building  and  participated  in  a  roundtable discussion with University professors from different faculties with interests in the Philippines.

The agreement involves the donation of t-5,000,000 (or approximately EUR83,000) to support academic and research activities on Philippine matters, and the creation of a center that would serve as a hub for Philippine-related projects.

Ruhr University\ is one of Germany’s leading universities. It is expected to conduct courses, seminars, lectures, conferences and other activities concerning the Philippines, coordinate academic  research and  teaching  about the  Philippines, and organize  research visits for scholars in the Philippines and vice-versa.  RUB will also enhance its acquisition of Philippine books, journals and other publications for the University’s library.

Consul General Austria-Garcia applauded the significant support of Deputy Speaker Legarda for the project and expressed appreciation to RUB officials for their deep interest in the study of the Philippines.

‘We deeply appreciate  the  invaluable  support of Deputy Speaker  Legarda as we embark on this academic  collaboration  between  the Consulate  and RUB. We also appreciate  the deep interest  and  commitment  of officials  and professors  to advance  Philippine  studies  at  Ruhr University.  It is my hope that this project will enhance greater understanding of the Philippines, strengthen cultural ties and people-to-people relations between our countries,” Consul General Austria-Garcia  said.

Rector  Prof.  Scholmerich  stated  that  the  university  “will  do  its  best  in  implementing  the programs  and projects under the agreement” and expressed  hope that the project would the start fruitful  collaboration  between the two sides.

The signing ceremony was also attended  by Prof.  Dr Kornelia Freitag,   Vice Rector of RUB, Ms. Monika Sprung, Director for International Affairs, Prof. Roger Friedlein, Vice Consul Fatima Mejilla Mueller, and Ms. Sheree Mangunay-lnfante of the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda.

RUB, which is located on the southern hills of central Ruhr area Bochum and about three hours away from  Frankfurt,  was  founded  in  1962  as  the  first  new  public university in  Germany after World War II. END

DFA Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto Abella served as the guest of honor during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Covenant Family for All Nations (CFFAN), held in Stuttgart last October 12 and 13. In his remarks, Undersecretary Abella spoke of life’s challenges and exhorted CFFAN’s members to “transform themselves through the spirit of God.” Pastor Reggie and Irma Ocampo led the 2-day celebration, with a program that included praise and worship sessions, video presentations, cultural performances and the recognition of its longest-serving members. Also present was Deputy Consul General Emil Fernandez of the Philippine Consulate in Frankfurt.

 

 

 

 

 

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Bochum, Germany — Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda today said that the Philippine piña-seda textile has great potential in the world textile market. Legarda continues to highlight the world-class talent, ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Filipino people, reflected in the traditional textiles produced through synergy among workers and artisans.  Piña-seda is a traditional fabric made from pineapple silk.

Legarda made the statement during her lecture on Philippine Textiles at the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, saying that the Philippine piña-seda can be considered prized items even in Europe as in the past years because of the quality of the handwoven fabric with intricate embroidery.

The Deputy Speaker’s lecture marks the start of the collaboration between the Philippine government and Ruhr University to offer courses on and promote Philippine Studies.

Legarda—a staunch advocate of arts and culture promotion and patron of the country’s first permanent textile gallery, Hibla ng Lahing Filipino, which has now travelled to different parts of the world—shared how much hard work is needed to produce a fabric from piña-seda.

“A piña-seda fabric or garment is a product of diligence, hard work, and passion. For piña-seda, you would need 12 people to produce the fabric; about three people will do the embroidery work; and, two designers and sewers. This means that a handwoven and embroidered piña-seda blouse would entail at least 17 people to complete one piece,” said Legarda.

Despite the overwhelming support and patronage received from the international community by the Hibla travelling exhibitions, Deputy Speaker Legarda noted some of the continuing challenges faced in the production of piña-seda textiles, such as the limited supply of silk, supply or manufacturer of knotted pineapple fiber, and the declining number of weavers.

“Through the Hibla initiative, we have brought our weaving communities at the center stage, closer to the global arena where weaving traditions and textiles, such as piña-seda will be appreciated in a different light. However, we cannot deny factors that challenge our production of such textiles,” she said.

Legarda cited the following factors that impose constraints on the sustainability of the industry: 1) the low confidence in the profitability of sericulture and the lack of integration of the supply and value chain in silk production; 2) extreme heat during summer season, or extended periods of drought; 3) the tedious process of hand-scraping the piña fiber; 4) the irregular demand for piña cloth products due to its being a high-priced fabric; 5) the lack of capital to purchase raw materials, looms, and other tools by the workers; and, 6) the lack of training on weaving and product development.

However, Legarda said that “the local textile industry is continuously evolving and these challenges only encourage the need to innovate among stakeholders.”

“To ensure the sustainability of the local textile industry, there is a need for convergence among the agencies of government involved—from the production of raw materials, to trainings and workshops, provision of equipment and materials, product development and promotion program, and a systematic marketing system,” Legarda added.

During her stint as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Legarda ensured that programs that will help farmers, weavers and local textile manufacturers—such as the development of silk and piña fiber received adequate support through additional funding in the national budget.

“The strengthening of the local fabrics industry, such as the piña-seda is attuned to our advocacy of promoting sustainable development and preserving our cultural identity. The potential of Philippine piña-seda in the world textile market presents invaluable opportunity to showcase the Filipino people’s creativity, ingenuity and excellent craftsmanship,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda also authored the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law during her first term as Senator, which aimed to promote Philippine natural fabrics through the use of such materials for the official uniforms of government officials and employees.***

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In a formal ceremony at the Palmengarten Gesellschaftshaus in Frankfurt yesterday, Philippine environmentalist Angelique Songco, Superintendent of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was conferred the prestigious KfW Grzimek Prize for her “outstanding commitment and groundbreaking management” of the marine protected area. KfW cited Ms. Songco’s “exemplary work (which) succeeds in protecting the reef’s extraordinary biodiversity while meeting the needs of the local population and tourists.” The award comes with a prize money of 50,000 Euros. Present during the ceremony were Consul General Evelyn Austria-Garcia and Deputy Consul General Emil Fernandez. Congratulations, Mama Ranger!

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The Bad Homburg group of nurses who arrived from the Philippines in 1969 celebrated their 50th anniversary with a gala dinner at the Mercure Hotel in Friedrichsdorf, Hesse on 14 September 2019. 13 of the original group of 45 nurses participated in the affair, some of whom arrived from as far as the United States and Canada. The Consulate was represented by Deputy Consul General Emil Fernandez, who lauded the group for their professionalism and adventurous spirit.

16 September 2019 – The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt supported an event entitled “Pagari: Marawi Jewelry Trunkshow,” which was held on 14 September 2019 at the lovely Scheich residence in Bad Homburg, Hesse. The event was part of the Consulate’s Gender and Development activities and poverty alleviation project.

The ‘Pagari’, which means ‘sister’ or ‘beloved’ in Marawi culture, is a trunkshow which exhibits unique and quality jewelry pieces made by women survivors of war-torn Marawi City in Mindanao.

During the event, Consul General Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia highlighted the plight of the people of Marawi, whose community in Southern Philippines was ravaged by war and acts of terrorism in 2017. She underscored that the activity was an expression of the Consulate’s support for the efforts of the Marawi women to rebuild their lives through their talent and craftsmanship in jewelry-making. She also stressed the resilience of the Marawi women.

The occasion was an opportunity for the women behind Pagari, Mesdames Phoebe Esperanza Adora Gallardo and Carmen Ongpin to explain the beginnings of the trunkshow and their efforts to help the Marawi women regain normal lives through sustainable livelihood. Ms. Gallardo is a management consultant who handles the business development and marketing of the jewelry items while Ms. Ongpin is in-charge of product design.

The event was attended by some 30 guests from the Consular Corps and the Filipino-German community with some coming as far as Dusseldorf and Thuringia, which are approximately 2 to 3 hours drive from Frankfurt. END