FOREIGN Affairs Undersecretary for Administration Antonio Morales led the unveiling of the Philippine Embassy marker and official inauguration of the new Philippine Chancery in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.

The event was attended by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) officials led by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Ali Bahzad, Undersecretary for Consular and Administrative Affairs, the ASEAN Heads of Mission in Bahrain, officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Capital Governorate, members of the Filipino community and representatives from the private sector.

A video presentation on the history of the Philippine Diplomatic Mission in Bahrain covering the period 1992, when the Philippine Embassy was first established in Bahrain, to the present was shown during the program that followed the unveiling ceremony.

Ambassador-designate Anne Jalando-on Louis welcomed Morales and guests to the new Philippine Chancery and thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs for its support and assistance that enabled the Embassy to transfer to its new location that offers a bigger space for the Embassy’s clients and operations.

Morales noted that the Embassy’s transfer to its new Chancery means better delivery of services and even more efficient implementation of Post’s various programs and activities.

He also noted that the inauguration of the new PHL Chancery will further cement the cooperation, partnership and excellent relations between the Philippines and Bahrain, especially in light of the commemoration of the 45th Anniversary of the Establishment of PHL-Bahrain Diplomatic Relations this year.

Prior to the unveiling of the marker and the official inauguration of the PHL Chancery, Morales also inaugurated the Mother and Baby Room located at the Consular Section of the Embassy. The diaper changing and lactation room is a joint GAD project of the Embassy with Filipino organizations Pinay Ikaw Na!, Phenomena Productions and Good Cause Bahrain. The room provides clients with the needed privacy, comfort and convenience, while they are availing of services within the Embassy’s premises. The inauguration of the Mother and Baby Room coincides with the Embassy’s celebration of National Women’s Month and signifies the care and attention given by the Embassy to its women and children clients.

Morales also inaugurated the new Sentro Rizal Manama in the Embassy’s premises on the same day.

The new Sentro Rizal Manama is housed in a 2-storey villa within the compound of the new PHL Chancery. The ground floor contains the Embassy’s Rizaliana collection and a meeting hall, “Bulwagang Rizal”. Also featured on the ground floor are paintings and photographs of Rizal, his life and works, as well as poems contributed by the Knights of Rizal-Bahrain Chapter, Filipino Creatives Bahrain and Filipino Writer’s Club. On display at the first floor is a collection of paintings, photographs, and poems by the members of the Filipino Creatives Bahrain and Filipino Writer’s Club.

The collection of artworks and publications at Sentro Rizal Manama showcases the Philippines’ rich history, culture and arts, as well as the talent and skills of Filipinos in Bahrain.

Undersecretary Morales noted the strong support and cooperation extended by the Knights of Rizal – Bahrain Chapter, the Filipino Creatives Bahrain, and the Filipino Writers Club in augmenting the Sentro Rizal Manama.

He said the Department of Foreign Affairs values the contributions of the Filipino community to the Embassy’s delivery of services, to the promotion of awareness and understanding of Philippine history and culture, and to instilling the spirit of patriotism and national pride in every Filipino in Bahrain.

The Embassy’s new Sentro Rizal Manama is one of 36 established Sentro Rizal sites worldwide.