23 June 2008

PROMISING YOUNG PHILIPPINE POLITICAL LEADERS IN AUSTRALIA ON AN EXCHANGE PROGRAM

OVERVIEW

23 June 2008 - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney received a delegation of members of the Philippine Council of Young Political Leaders Foundation, who are on a five-day political exchange visit to Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide, from June 23 to 28, 2008.

The delegation is composed of young Philippine political leaders and are in the country to observe the Australian political system. Their visit is organized by the Australian Political Exchange Council, which sponsors regular political exchanges with China, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, the United States, and Vietnam.

The delegation is led by Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene A. Dominguez and includes Imus Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi and Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio S. Veloso. They are joined by Isabela Provincial Board Member Cecilia Claire N. Reyes, Compostela Valley Provincial Board Member Maria Carmen Z. Apsay, Cebu Proviincial Board Member Victoria G. Corominas. They are accompanied by Chief of Staff Zenen Renan B. Dalisay, representative of Senator Francis Pangilinan.

The delegates represent three Philippine political parties: Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), the Liberal Party, and the Sarangani Reconciliation and Reformation Organization (SARRO).

Philippine Consul General Maria Theresa Lazaro welcomed Governor Dominguez and the delegation at a reception at the Philippine Consulate and briefed them on the migration pattern of the Filipino-Australian community, possible collaboration endeavors on business and educations matters, and relations between the Filipino Commnity and the State of New South Wales.

Governor Dominguez said that the delegation was pleased to be in Sydney to broaden their political experience and to strengthen political relations and understanding between the two countries.

This delegation led by Governor Dominguez is the third participation of the Philippines in the Australian Political Exchange Council program. During its tour, the delegates will participate in forums and meetings that will examine economic and social issues and exchange political opinions.

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