15 June 2014, Sliema Hotel, Malta: Consul General Leila Lora-Santos (middle, in purple) with FOCOWIM President  Mona Rogong (middle, to the left of CG Lora-Santos) with some members of the Filipino community in Malta

(left photo): The FOCOWIM President with her officers highlights accomplishments of the past year and projects for the coming months; (right photo), members of the Filipino community sing the national anthem.

On 15 June 2014, the Philippine Embassy in Rome, represented by Consul General Leila Lora-Santos and Mr. Marion Reyes, joined the celebration of the 116th Philippine Independence Day in Sliema, Malta. The event was organized by the Filipino Overseas Contract Workers in Malta (FOCOWIM) led by its President, Ms. Mona Rogong, and coincided with FOCOWIM’s 8th Anniversary.

In her message, Consul General Lora-Santos informed the community of the efforts being undertaken by the Embassy to efficiently provide services to Filipinos in Malta, considering the recent change of jurisdiction over Malta from Tripoli PE to Rome PE. The Consul General congratulated the Filipino community, the largest non-EU migrant community in Malta, for their hard work and dedication which are recognized and appreciated by the people and government of Malta. A call for unity amongst the different Filipino associations was communicated, highlighting enhanced strength and influence in unity.

The Embassy likewise conducted registration for overseas voting at the sidelines of the Independence Day event, and successfully registered 138 new registrants during that week-end.