Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil welcomes the students at the Philippine Consulate on 01 April 2024 (Istanbul PCG Photo).

Istanbul, Türkiye, 05 April 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul hosted an Iftar (breaking of the fast) for Filipino students in Istanbul and neighboring provinces on 01 April 2024 at the Consulate premises to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil welcomed the Filipino students coming from different key universities in Istanbul and neighboring provinces. ‘It is our way of showing admiration to all of you in faithfully observing this spiritual practice which strengthens your compassion and empathy’, said Consul General Shirlene as she explains the Consulate’s hosting of Iftar for the students. The students also conveyed their appreciation for the Consulate’s warm welcome and for making this gathering possible.

Prior to the Iftar, Consul Rachel Anne L. Oronce facilitated an interactive Bagong Pilipinas Town Hall discussion with the students. They were briefed on the "Bagong Pilipinas" movement, its goals, components, and relevance to the daily lives of overseas Filipinos, especially those returning after studies abroad. The discussion emphasized the role of overseas Filipino students in nation-building, with their generation serving as the cornerstones of the future of the Philippines. Students also viewed a video of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. introducing the Bagong Pilipinas movement.

Filipino students from key universities in Istanbul and neighboring provinces, including İstanbul Sabahattin Zaim Üniversitesi, İstanbul Üniversitesi, İstanbul 29 Mayıs Üniversitesi, Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir Üniversitesi, Kocaeli Üniversitesi, among others, joined the briefing, actively contributing their thoughts and opinions on how the youth can support the Bagong Pilipinas movement.

The event provided an opportunity for the Consulate to reconnect with the students and reaffirm its commitment to further engagement and assistance.

In addition to Biryani and fresh fruits, the Consulate General served Filipino dishes such as ukoy, pancit, and puto during the Iftar reception, aligning with Filipino Food Month in April 2024. END

Consulate personnel with the students during the Iftar or breaking of the fast (Istanbul PCG Photo).

Consulate personnel with the students during the Iftar or breaking of the fast (Istanbul PCG Photo).