Ankara, Türkiye, 12 November 2023-- The Philippine Embassy in Ankara hosted a welcome reception for Ambassador-designate to Türkiye Henry S. Bensurto, Jr., where members of the Filipino community in Türkiye were officially introduced to the newly arrived envoy and his wife Mme. Ana Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto on 11 November 2023 at the Embassy. Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Juan E. Dayang, Jr. and Vice-Consul Angela Margeaux E. Tolentino introduced the Ambassador-designate and his spouse, respectively.  

In his speech, Ambassador Bensurto encouraged the community members to display their pride in their native country outwardly and promote the Philippines' interests in Türkiye, even in the simplest and ordinary aspects of their daily lives.  Videos chronicling the accomplishments of Ambassador Bensurto during his past tenure as Consul General in San Francisco, USA, and Assistant Secretary of the Office of Consular Affairs were also showcased to provide a glimpse of the Ambasador’s vision. 

To conclude the program, Ms. Leahna Mae Guiritan, a Grade-8 student in Ankara, performed patriotic Filipino songs followed by a Filipino community photo session and merienda reception that provided an opportunity for the members of the Filipino community in Ankara as well as those from  Istanbul who traveled to Ankara to meet and greet  Ambassador-designate and Mme. Bensurto.    END

The Filipino community members pose with Ambassador-designate and Mme Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. in the Rizal Garden of the Embassy.

Ambassador-designate Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. addresses almost 50 Filcom members who gathered in the Embassy to meet and greet the new Ambassador and his spouse.

Ms. Leahna Mae Guiritan, a Grade-8 student in Ankara, performed Filipino  patriotic songs to the delight of the audience.