The students of the Silid Aralan sa Embahada Termino III commemorated the National Heritage Month (NHM) on 17 May 2025 (Saturday) at the Embassy of the Philippines.
Filipino Language Teacher Ms. Rofilleta Refuerzo-Larsson imparted to the students the importance of Philippine heritage.
Teacher Larsson also showed a collage showing the following: Tangible Cultural Heritage: Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao Province; Vigan City; Intramuros in Manila; and Miagrao Church in Iloilo. Intangible Cultural Heritage: Bayanihan; Harana and Kundiman; Pasyon and Senakulo; and Pamamanhikan. Natural Heritage: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park located in the middle of Sulu Sea; Underground River in Puerto Princesa; Chocolate Hills in Bohol; and Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol. Festival and Celebrations: Sinulog Festival in Cebu; Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan; Penagbenga Festival or Flower Festival in Baguio; and Masskara Festival in Bacolod. Traditional Clothing and Crafts: Barong Tagalog and Saya; Tinalak weaving; Inabel fabric; and Banig mats.
The National Heritage Month (NHM) is celebrated every May, in accordance with Philippine Presidential Proclamation No. 439, s.2003. This year, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) adopted the theme, “Preserving Legacies, Building Futures: Empowering Communities through Heritage”.
The Silid Aralan sa Embahada Termino III is organized by the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Education Society (PES). END
H.E. Ambassador Patrick A. Chuasoto met with Ms. Christine Bäckström, Chief Executive Officer of the International Council of Swedish Industry (NIR), on 16 May 2025 (Friday), in Stockholm, Sweden.
During the meeting, Ms. Bäckström shared the NIR’s mission to improve conditions for doing sustainable business and promote sustainable and inclusive economic development in low- and middle-income countries. Ms. Bäckström described NIR as the “foreign ministry of business”.
Both sides also exchange views on possible initiatives with the Philippines in the areas of mobility and transportation, sustainable and socially-responsible mining, digital banking, and telecom diplomacy as well as global trends and issues.
NIR is a member-based, non-profit organization focused on improving business conditions and promoting sustainable, inclusive economic development in complex markets. NIR members include: Atlas Copco, Boliden, Electrolux, EKN, Epiroc, Ericsson, Hitachi Energy, Saab, Sandvik AB, Scania, SEB, SEK (Swedish Export Credit Corporation), Siemens Energy, AB SKF, Tetra Laval Group, Volvo Group. All of the members have, in one way or another, a presence in the Philippines. END
H.E. Ambassador Patrick A. Chuasoto met with representatives of the Swedish Diplomatic Police, Mr. Anders Bjärgård, Senior Advisor Diplomatic Affairs, Head of Embassy Protection Coordination Police Superintendent and Mr. Roger Ekenstedt, Superintendent, on 15 May 2025 (Thursday), at the Embassy of the Philippines.
During the meeting, Messrs. Bjärgård and Ekenstedt briefed Ambassador Chuasoto on matters relating to the security of missions and its personnel. Both sides also discussed the current security situation in Sweden and the initiatives that the Swedish Police has taken to combat threats to the community.
The Diplomatic Protection Service of the Swedish Police is responsible for the protection and security of Foreign Missions in Stockholm. END
H.E. Ambassador Patrick A. Chuasoto received the Filipino Community Leaders Association in Sweden (FILCOMLAS) board members on 19 May 2025 (Monday), at the Embassy of the Philippines.
The FILCOMLAS provided a backgrounder on activities carried out by different Associations. Ambassador Chuasoto conveyed his appreciation for the work of FILCOMLAS. Both sides also had a candid exchange on issues faced by the Filipino community in Sweden and Swedish culture and values. Both sides committed to working closely on key projects and activities.
FILCOMLAS is an association of Filipino community leaders from various Filipino communities primarily based in Stockholm. It is dedicated to promoting unity, cultural heritage, and community support among Filipinos in Sweden. The organization serves as a central coordinating body for Filipino communities in Stockholm and facilitates the cultural exchange and preservation of Filipino traditions in Sweden.
The FILCOMLAS was represented by the following: Ms. Letty Simpson (President), Mr. Noli Buhay, Ms. Adel Buhay, and Ms. Gloria Saoy. END
