Philippines: Environmentalist Loren Legarda hosts Farewell gathering for German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel

Filipino Politician, environmentalist and Cultural worker and Former Journalist Loren Legarda extended her heartfelt pleasure and gratitude on the visit of the German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel to the Philippines. The two of them attended the meeting with fellow ambassadors and discussed various social and environmental topics.

As per the Update, German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel was also preparing to conclude her term this month, July 2023. Therefore in order to honour her, Filipino Politician, environmentalist and Cultural worker and Former Journalist Loren Legarda hosted a farewell gathering. 

While concluding Ambassador Anke’s farewell, Environmentalist Loren Legarda expressed her heartfelt emotions and shared that the meeting she hosted was a mixture of emotions but filled with learnings and lasting memories.

The meeting, attended by fellow Ambassadors, spanned almost two hours of engaging topics. The discussions included:

• Agricultural waste management.
• Programs promoting green jobs in offshore wind generation.
• The strong connections between the Philippines and other European countries like Germany and Belgium.

The ties between the Philippines and Germany are deep-rooted. 

The Philippine national hero Jose Rizal pursued his ophthalmology studies in Heidelberg; he resided with the Ullmer family in Wilhelmsfeld and frequently visited the banks of the Neckar River, where he was inspired to write A Las Flores de Heidelberg. Rizal also presented textiles as gifts to his friend Adolf Bastian, who later founded the Berlin Ethnological Museum. Interestingly, Rizal also travelled to Ghent, Belgium, and had a Filipino as a roommate. It was in Ghent where the El Filibusterismo was published, according to the Belgian Ambassador. 

Further, Environmentalist Loren Legarda expressed that the discovery has made her eagerly anticipate the launch of another Philippine Studies Program, this time at the University of Ghent, a project she has been supporting since its inaugural launch at SOAS in London in 2017.

“Aside from our close connections, we also discussed climate-related issues, collaborations that encompass sustainable forest management, and the exchange of technical know-how. Interestingly, our knowledgeable Belgian Ambassador informed the group of a state university in the Philippines that transforms agricultural waste into aqua feeds.” She added.

As a farewell gift, Loren paid honour to Ambassador Anke and presented her with a necklace crafted from dried banana leaves by a group from Dumalinao in Zamboanga del Sur.

At last, while marking her visit and expressing her deep regards, Loren shared her hope to hold more discussions with her in the future, “Until we meet again, our good friend Anke! Looking forward to more collaborations with you.” she quoted.