by Benjie de Ubago
Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega was the special guest at the Christmas edition of USTalk of UST Alumni Australia (USTAA). The show was live streamed on Facebook last 14 December 2023 and was also aired throughout Australia including the Philippines courtesy of the UST’s Office of Alumni Relations.
Ambassador D La Vega talked Filipino Christmas traditions with Ms. Benjie de Ubago. USTAA president and host Thomasian, Joey Matro. It was a lively and candid affair sharing the spirit of the season. Audience questions were also responded to. The USTalk episode also featured the UST singers performing Christmas carols for the cyber audience.
Below is the full message of Ambassador Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega.
AMBASSADOR MA. HELLEN B. DE LA VEGA ‘S
MESSAGE FOR THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY for 2024
“Kaisa ng aking pamilya at mga kasama sa pasuguan at mga Konsulado ng Pilipinas sa Australia, ipinahahatid ko ang isang maligaya at matiwasay na Pasko sa lahat ng ating kababayan.
The women and men of foreign service posts in Australia join me in wishing all our fellow Filipinos a joyous and peaceful Christmas and New Year. May the warmth and abundance of the Christmas season and the story of the birth of Jesus Christ inspire every Filipino family to always live a life of gratitude humility and purpose. It is indeed a season of hope, joy and reflection.
2023 was a banner year in the history of friendship of the Philippines and Australia. I extend my appreciation to all our stakeholders for their support in the establishment of the strategic partnership of the 2 countries this year.
This partnership has been on share democratic values shaped by decades of cooperation on a range of issues and dynamic people to people linkages.
In the past 12 months, our leaders and high level officials met and discussed our common aspirations for our peoples and our region and committed to work closer to address current and emerging challenges, strengthen our government institutions, and crate more opportunities for growth and development.
As maritime democracies committed to the rule of law and the protection of maritime resources, officials on maritime policies and operations of the 2 countries strengthen their engagement and thus year we witnessed the first maritime activities of the armed forces of the Philippine and the Australian defence force.
On the international stage the Philippines and Australia intensified coordination to advance shared advocacies and make meaningful contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity and the Philippines welcome and the enhanced level if of support of Australia to our development priorities.
We are expanding our connectivity and opening fresh avenues for fresh tourism, mobility, research and innovation, trade and investment. Ensuring the sustainability, resilience of industries, markets and livelihoods.
The Filipino community in Australia at 400,000 strong continues to be an important source of growth and productivity in this country and a force to reckon in building and preserving diversity.
I wish to thank you for moving alongside the embassy and consulates in further reaching the two countries that you call home and strengthening trust and understanding between our peoples .
Muli isang maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon as ating lahat.
Maraming, maraming salamat po. “
