by Marilie Bomediano
The NSW Filipino Community gathered last 23 November 2024 at Blacktown Workers Club, Blacktown to Farewell Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega.
The Sydney Filipino Community saying goodbye to Philippine Ambassador De La Vega.
The event was organized by the Philippine Community Council of New South Wales (PCC-NSW) with the participation of the various clubs and associations.
Ms. Grace Liston, PCC-NSW President thanked those present for their attendance.She also highlighted the legacies of the Ambassador, which include fostering unity within the community especially for forging a harmnonized Philippine Independence Day; promoting cultural awareness and heritage; and enhancing bilateral relations between the Philippines and Australia.
Then gratitude flowed as each organization took turns in expressing their appreciation and what she meant to them. Sydney, Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil spoke of the Ambassador’s significant contributions in elevating the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Australia to a partnership. She also expressed her admiration for the Ambassador’s vision and experience which has made a lasting impact on the PCG Sydney Team, and on the Filipino community in Australia i8n general. Tourism Attaché Purificacion Molintas expressed her appreciation to the Ambassador for her unwavering support in helping to promote Philippine Tourism.
Ambassador De La Vega encouraged the establishment of the UST Alumni Association in Australia and the Kababaihan Rizalista chapters in Canberra and other states.
Kababaihan Rizalista Association
Likewise, UST Alumni Australia, her own alma mater, extended their heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador De La Vega. “Your legacy will always be a cherished part of our story. We wish you the very best and hope to welcome you back down under in the future,” said a spokesperson for USTAA.
Ambassador De La Vega, arrived in Australia on 29 November 2018 and ended her tour of duty last 28 November 2024. She returns to the Philippines to take on the role of DFA Undersecretary. She is a career diplomat and has previously been posted in Los Angeles, California, Yangon, Myanmar; Beijing, China; Tokyo, Japan; Madrid, Spain; and Jakarta, Indonesia.
During her time in Australia, she opened the consular offices in Melbourne (2021) and Brisbane (2022.) She also saw in March 2023, the launching of direct flight between Manila and Perth. Most importantly, she witnessed the historical state visits and address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Australian Parliament on February 2024, and his return visit in Melbourne in March 2024.
In response, Ambassador Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega likewise expressed her gratitude to the community and stressed the vital role that the Filipino diaspora in Australia plays in strengthening and enhancing bilateral relations between the Philippines and Australia.
Then she took to the stage to perform one more time with feeling, her top favourite, ‘Dancing Queen’ backed up by her fellow USTAA alumni while the audience roared with delight.
She will be remembered.
30Nov 2024
