Manila, Czechia to collaborate on devt, cultural, educational fronts
AMBASSADOR Jana Šedivá paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Francisco M. Domagoso on February 10 to discuss the current partnership between the Czech Republic and the City of Manila, as well as to also propose possible areas for cooperation in the future.
The envoy, together with Deputy Head of Mission of the Czech Embassy in Manila Jana Peterková, discussed with the city mayor both Manila and the Czech Republic’s pandemic response, where the ambassador expressed her admiration for the readiness of the local government unit (LGU) to roll out its vaccination program.
Šedivá also shared the different bilateral Czech development and cultural programs of the embassy in Manila City—including the ongoing project implemented through World Vision Philippines. The one-year humanitarian project aims to provide education and vocational training to 80 youths in Baseco, while assisting to bridge the gap in education and employment.
Further, Domagoso explained his efforts to make Manila a green and livable city, as well as expressed his interest to work with the European country in exchanging good practices in building smart cities. This was warmly accepted by the ambassador according to the embassy, as creating smart and green cities will be among its top priorities.
Aside from sharing the history of the Czech Republic and its transition from the Soviet Union’s occupation to being a member of the European Union, Šedivá also discussed with Moreno the different initiatives of the bloc. Highlighted in the discussion were the efforts of the EU to support the City of Manila in the rehabilitation of Pasig River, as well as the long-term efforts of the EU to contribute in building a green, resilient and plastic-free economy in the Philippines.
“It was my distinct pleasure to meet Mayor ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso and to share with him the efforts of both the Czech Embassy and the [EU] in building…relations and cooperation with the Philippines—particularly with Manila City,” said Šedivá. “We are also eager to...work closely with [the said LGU] in its aspirations to create a green and smart city.”
Symbolic of the continuous cooperation between the embassy and Manila City, Domagoso presented to Šedivá a key to the city. For her part, the ambassador gifted the mayor a crystal ornament from the Czech Republic.