12 June 2014 Tel Aviv, State of Israel. The Philippine Embassy led by Ambassador Generoso D.G. Calonge welcomed members of the diplomatic corps, high-ranking Israeli government officials, Filipino UN Peacekeepers, businessmen, members of the clergy, leaders of the Filipino community and other friends at a reception to celebrate the 116th Year Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

The more than 200 guests who attended the event experienced the warmth of Filipino hospitality and had a glimpse of the richness of Philippine culture as the Embassy personnel and other Filipino guests came dressed in their best traditional Filipiniana attire.

The guest of honor this year was Minister of Welfare and Social Affairs Meir Cohen.

Deepening friendship and growing cooperation between the Philippines and Israel

The deepening friendship and growing partnership between the Philippines and Israel in various areas of cooperation were highlighted during the event.

In his speech, Minister Cohen noted the friendly relations enjoyed by the Philippines and Israel and traced the history of this warm relationship to World War II when the Philippines, under the leadership of President Manuel L. Quezon, opened its doors to save the Jews who were escaping the Holocaust and in 1947 when the Philippines was the only Asian country to support UN Resolution 181 which led to the creation of the State of Israel. He added that until the present, the Philippines plays an active role in supporting his country through the deployment of hundreds of peacekeepers in the Golan Heights and through thousands of Filipino caregivers taking care of Israel's elderly. The Minister said that his country was glad to reciprocate this support through the continuing programs under the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs' MASHAV which have provided essential and innovative agricultural training to thousands of Filipino students and the humanitarian aid extended by the Israeli Government in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.

In his remarks, Ambassador Calonge once again expressed the Philippines' deep appreciation to the Government of the State of Israel, as well as other Israeli organizations and individuals, for the humanitarian assistance which has helped rebuild the lives of those who were affected by the typhoon. He added that this gesture was a testament to the deep friendship between the Philippines and Israel. During the event, Ambassador Calonge also took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of the Philippines, especially in terms of its economy. While noting the increasing cooperation between the Philippines and Israel in many areas such as business, agriculture and defense, he hoped that the steady growth of the Philippines and the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people will continue to attract more Israeli visitors, including potential investors, in the future.

Towards the end of the program Ambassador Calonge and Minister Cohen, along with the other guests, raised their glasses in a toast to the friendship and enhanced relations between the Philippines and Israel. --END--