Panamanian Ambassador to the Philippines Rolando Guevera Alvarado pays a courtesy call on Manila Mayor Isko Moreno at the Manila City Hall, July 19, 2019. Michael Joe Delizo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA – Panama's envoy to Manila on Friday offered to help Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in his efforts to develop the capital city.
In his courtesy visit to the Manila City Hall, Panamanian Ambassador to the Philippines Rolando Guevara Alvarado said Panama could help bolster efforts to preserve and protect cultural heritage in Manila, among other fields.
He also noted that Filipino seafarers are world-class workers who are preferred by maritime firms in Panama.
Panama has the world’s largest fleet of ships registered under its flag, with Filipino seafarers making up around 60 percent of its workforce. Around 3,000 to 4,000 Filipinos reportedly apply to work on board Panamanian-registered vessels every month.
“There has to be a cooperation that we will give to the residents, to include the residents. They should also have sustainable trainings,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado is the third ambassador to meet with Moreno after US Ambassador Sung Kim and British Ambassador Daniel Pruce.
The Panamanian envoy praised Moreno’s fresh leadership that has seen dramatic change in Manila’s congested and dirty streets and parks through cleanup efforts.
Alvarado said he was delighted to see Moreno’s effort to clean up parks, particularly Bonifacio Shrine, which the Mayor showed the envoy from his office window.
For his part, the mayor is grateful for visits of foreign diplomats.
“I’m happy that the members of the diplomatic corps are, you know, they keep coming back or visiting Manila. We’re honored, of course,” Moreno said.
The mayor continued: “It’s a good sign that they’re hopeful about the city government. It’s the pride of the city of Manila, and the people of Manila, it’s not for me."
On Monday, July 22, Moreno is set to meet with Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda.
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