Editor TLN
Philippine relations with the Dutch Caribbean received a strong boost with the visit of the Philippine ambassador to the NetherlandsJ. Eduardo Malaya, who met with the Prime Minister of Aruba, Evelyna Wever-Croes, and of Sint Maarten, Silveria Jacobs, on August 21 and August 24, 2022, respectively.
Filipinos were cited by Prime Minister Evelyna Wever-Croes of Aruba as among the fastest integrating in Aruba in view of their dedication and hard work and ability to communicate well with their clients and employers.
“In hospitals, patients prefer Filipino nurses because of their excellent work: they care more, they communicate well, and that is something we really appreciate,” Wever-Croes told Malaya.
At the official meeting, the Malayan ambassador conveyed the gratitude of the Government of the Philippines and the Embassy to the Government of Aruba for hosting the Filipinos. “His proactive, compassionate and inclusive leadership enabled Aruba and its people, including members of the Filipino community, to be resilient and recover faster from the pandemic,” Malaya said.
“The Embassy intends to send an embassy team to Aruba more frequently to respond to the consular needs of the Filipinos who reside and work here, and to more closely care for their well-being,” the Filipino diplomat said.
The Malayan ambassador also visited the interim governor of Aruba, Agustín Vrolijk, and discussed possible areas of collaboration.
On Sint Maarten, Malaya and Prime Minister Jacobs exchanged views on the strong relations between the Philippines and the Netherlands and their overseas territories.
Malaya also met briefly with Finance Minister Ardwell MR Irion who cited Filipinos as “very family oriented” who further expressed that he hopes the younger generation will carry on this culture.
