Bright future for ties with Philippines

 By BIGA LEBASI

THE Philippines and Papua New Guinea have a very promising and vibrant future together, according to the country’s ambassador Dr Bien V. Tejano.

Dr Tejano said because of the countries’ Christian connections and other reasons, the two nations “have a very vibrant future”.

He was speaking last Wednesday on the eve of the Philippine’s 115th anniversary of independence from Spain. It became independent on June 12, 1898.

A gathering to celebrate the anniversary was held at the Philippines and Papua New Guinea Association club premises off Poreporena Freeway in Gordon on Sunday night.

Tejano pointed out similarities between the two countries in regards to:

• Language, citing English that binds the countries together;
• Climate, similar to the Philippines;
• Terrain, similar to his country’s and where rice could be successfully grown to feed PNG’s increasing population and still capable to sell it overseas;
• Education:  Increasing number of Papua New Guinean high school and tertiary students now studying in the Philippines; and
• Health: Increasing number of PNG patients seeking medical treatment in the Philippines because of its state-of-the-art medical facilities.

“I always believe that we are here in your country to help you, to set an example, a good one for our brothers and sisters,” Tejano said.

“We are a God-fearing country and we love to obey the laws of God and laws of our country.

“We are not perfect, however, in some instances are in a better position to assist you in PNG in business and commerce.” 

Tejano said he was quite aware about the importance of “people-to-people” relationship that the Filipino and the Papua New Guinean were capable of maintaining with their closer “fellowship with God”.