16 August 2023, Ankara, Türkiye – The Philippine Embassy joined the Overseas Filipino Association in Ankara (OFAA), a community organization, in its first anniversary celebration at the Demora Hotel on 5 August 2022.

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Juan E. Dayang Jr., Defense and Armed Forces Attaché (DAFA) Col. Harold M. Argamosa, Cultural Officer Vanesa Sumera, DAFA Assistant MSgt. Mark Repala and Mr. Marvin Ablaza attended the event.

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Juan E. Dayang Jr., administers the oaths of the officers of the Overseas Filipino Association in Ankara (OFAA). (Embassy Photo).

The program featured the oath-taking ceremony of the OFAA officers headed by its president, Mr. Randy “Wowie” Canlas. Three of the officers are Filipino earthquake survivors from Hatay, who are now beginning a new life here in Ankara.

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Juan E. Dayang Jr delivers his message before the Filipino community. (Embassy photo)

In his message, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Dayang encouraged the Filipinos in Ankara to continue to enrich the Filipino community with the spirit of malasakit, unity, and cooperation. He also ensured that the Embassy will continue to provide quality public services to the Filipinos here in Türkiye.

He thanked the OFAA for their active collaboration with the Embassy and for their volunteerism and services at the Meryem Ana Catholic Church. He also recognized OFAA’s efforts in organizing events to foster unity and camaraderie among the Filipinos in Ankara, through various sports and fellowship activities.

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Juan E. Dayang Jr., Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Col. Harold M. Argamosa (far right) and MSgt. Mark Repala (far left) received Plaques of Appreciation from Mr. Randy Canlas, president of the Overseas Filipino in Ankara Association (OFAA) (Embassy photo).

At the end of the program, OFAA President Mr. Canlas presented Plaques of Recognition to Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Dayang, Col. Argamosa and MSgt Repala in recognition of their invaluable support to the organization. END