GOVPH

PH Ambassador Champions Discipline, Camaraderie in Professional Orgs’ Sports Fest

DOHA 10 September 2024 — Her Excellency Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar Lillibeth V. Pono extolled the virtues of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship in the recent sports fest organized by the Philippine Professional Organization-Qatar, the umbrella organization of the Qatar chapters of Filipino professional groups, on 06 September 2024.

In her remarks, Ambassador Pono conveyed her pleasure at being part of activities where Filipino community groups gather as one.

“It is this sense of unity and appreciation of each other’s uniqueness that allow us to strengthen the ties that bind us Filipinos here in Qatar and elsewhere in the world,” she said.

She added that “all things considered, nothing defines one’s character, willpower, and clarity of vision more than sports.”

“As you all take time to participate in your chosen sports, I know you are aware that this goes beyond winning medals and trophies,” she said. “In fact, being here is a demonstration of your willingness to challenge yourself, to put yourself out there, and to develop friendships.”

For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.

PH Embassy Mounts Exhibit on Marine Protected Areas on Sidelines of Filipino Choral Concert

DOHA 09 September 2024 — The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the State of Qatar held an exhibit on marine protected areas on the sidelines of the 2nd Philippine Choral Festival at the Qatar National Convention Center on 06 September 2024.

Titled “Marine Protected Areas: A Gallery,” the exhibit featured some of the maritime and archipelagic features in the Philippines designated as protected areas.

Speaking during the event, Her Excellency Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar said, “The sites in this exhibit include natural and national parks, marine reserves, as well as protected landscapes and seascapes — a gallery that displays the continuing efforts undertaken by the Philippines to protect its maritime and archipelagic heritage.”

The exhibit was mounted as part of the Philippine Embassy’s observance of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) throughout September.

MANA Mo is a platform that synchronizes the celebration of all maritime-related events and activities in a single month to achieve a sense of unity and pride among Filipinos in addressing the threats to the coastal and marine environment toward preserving the Philippine maritime heritage.

Part of the preservation of the country’s maritime heritage is the designation of marine protected areas. This falls within the Philippine regulatory regime as outlined under Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038, or the Expanded NIPAS (ENIPAS) Act.

The NIPAS Act, as amended, provides for the establishment and management of a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas in order to protect and maintain the natural, biological, and physical diversities of the environment, notably on areas with biologically unique features to sustain human life and development, as well as plant and animal life.

For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.

PH Embassy Joins Celebration of Filipino Music, Artistry in 2nd Philippine Choral Festival in Doha

DOHA 08 September 2024 — Her Excellency Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar Lillibeth V. Pono joined fellow diplomats, various expatriate community groups, and music enthusiasts in the sophomore edition of the Philippine Choral Festival on 06 September 2024 at the Qatar National Convention Center.

Dubbed “Harmonic Horizons: Voices in Unity,” the musical event featured stirring performances from the Maharlikans Vocal Ensemble Philippines, an award-winning collective of Qatar-based Filipino professionals led by Maestro Demy Solitario.

The Maharlikans were joined by other community singing and performing groups, including The Doha Players, Liahona Doha Singers, Qatar Concert Choir, The Sacred Voices, and Tanghalang Overseas Pinoy.

The two-hour concert was a musical journey that brought audiences to the Philippines with well-loved classics, such as “Dumbele” and “Bituing Walang Ningning,” to the recreation of eclectic pop hits “Mapa” by SB19 and “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman.”

In her message, Ambassador Pono congratulated the performers for their passion and perseverance in pulling off the event, calling the Filipino talents “the best cultural ambassadors of the Philippines.”

“Tonight, we witnessed the amazing power of music in transcending differences in culture, race, and beliefs,” she said. “We also witnessed how music promotes unity and harmony in diversity. May you continue to spread the message of love, peace, and unity through your voices.”

For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.