Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss recently visited communities in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, and met with beneficiaries of repair kits for shelters wrecked by Typhoon Egay in July 2023.
In partnership with Caritas Philippines’ Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia, Vigan, and Diocese of Laoag, the Embassy of Israel and MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, donated roofing materials to around 50 households in the region.
“I am happy to meet the families and to know their stories of hope and resilience. It was heartwarming to know their personal stories. May the humble assistance of Israel help them rebuild their homes and help them get back on their feet,” Ambassador Fluss said.
He cited Israel’s partnership with Caritas Philippines as “another milestone in the the strong relations between Israel and the Catholic church which was established 30 years ago.“
The official work visit of the Israeli Ambassador to Ilocos region also included a meeting with Ilocos Norte Governor Matt Manotoc, and Ilocos Sur Governor Jerry Singson together with Caoayan Mayor Germelina Goulart.
The discussion focused on their respective provinces and possible areas of cooperation especially on innovation and technology, water, and agriculture.
Ambassador Fluss also had separate meetings with Bishop Renato P. Mayugba, Archbishop Marlo Mendoza Peralta, Narvacan Mayor Pablito Sanidad Sr., and Piddig Mayor Eddie Guillen.
He also paid a courtesy visit on Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) headed by President Shirley C. Agrupis who described Israel as “a distinguished nation which has earned the title of ‘The Start-Up Nation,’ housing cutting-edge research and development in Science and Technology, Medicine, Agriculture, Security and virtually every other field in today’s modern world.”
The Ambassador discussed with MMSU possible areas of collaboration in agriculture and education, among other sectors. He also gave a briefing on Israel-Hamas war, focusing on the recent updates regarding the sexual abuse of Hamas against Israeli women on October 7.
Another highlight of the visit to the region is the International Holocaust Commemoration and Opening of the Holocaust Exhibit led by the Department of Education at Mabilbila Integrated School in Ilocos Sur.
In his speech, Ambassador Fluss reiterated the importance of remembering the Holocaust, fighting anti-Semitism, and making sure Holocaust will never happen again.
“Unfortunately, the world is still not safe for the Jewish people. Let us remember the murderous attack of the terror organization Hamas against Israel last October 7, exactly 5 months ago. That day, 240 civilians were brutally kidnapped to Gaza (hundreds of them are still held in captivity), and more than 1200 Israelis were murdered – the biggest number of Jews murdered in one day since the Holocaust,” he said before the faculty and students.
