AMERICAN Ambassador Sung Kim poses for a photo with EducationUSA Fair participants.

The Philippines is not the only one fighting for its growth.

Time and time again, many countries have proved to be the country’s allies in transforming the Philippines to its better version possible.

These countries, through their embassies based in the Philippines, extend their hands to make sure that the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ continue to rise.

Uncle Sam is one of the greatest allies of Juan de la Cruz.

He is also one of the few who stood by Juan in times of his darkest days. Of course, he was there during its brightest times.

To help the Philippines thrive, the United States, through the US Embassy in the Philippines and under the leadership of Ambassador Sung Kim pushed this vision forward.

The embassy staged a series of education programs called the EducationUSA.

The Education USA, a US department state network, kicked-off a week-long celebration that involved a workshop for students and prospective candidates for Masters of Business Administration.

St. Paul University Manila president Sister Ma. Evangeline Anastacion, SPC and Israeli Ambassador Rafael Harpaz opens the photo exhibit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The event also allowed the students to share their insights on how to realize their dreams and actualize their long-term goals.

The embassy also conducted the International Seaport Interdiction Training (ISIT).

ISIT is a certification granted to “security professionals, customs officers and immigration officers working at inland and seaports.”

These persons are given authorities to prohibit entry goods and cargo that can possibly be used for smuggling purposes.

These countries, through their embassies based in the country, extend their hands to make sure that the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ continue to rise.

Considered as one of the holy lands in the world, Israel is generous in sharing its faith among the Filipinos.

Recently at the De La Salle University in Taft, an exhibit of Pope Francis’ visit to Israel in 2014 was put on display through eloquent images.

The Israel Embassy, led by Ambassador Rafael Harpaz, produced the spectacle that should serve as a platform in showing the significance of the supreme pontiff’s visit in the Holy Land.

The exhibit is also a commemoration of the celebration of the 25th year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Israel and the Holy See.

THE signing ceremony for the construction of classrooms for Catalunan Grande Elementary School in Davao City led by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda.

Before that, the epic Holocasut were also remembered through an event organized by the embassy.

The lives of the fallen during the holocaust was celebrated through a candle-lighting ceremony paired with heartfelt performances by Israeli musicians.

More than 70 years ago, the echoing cries of some six million Jewish people whose lives were taken during the world war II by the Nazi Germany still resound.

Philippines, in those times, implemented the “open door policy” that made the country a safe haven and refuge of the victims.

This solidified the bond that the two nations have kept through the years.

If there is one nation that the Filipinos can truly treat as their true friend, it’s the Japanese people.

Known for their advanced way of doing things, the Japanese are always up in lending their helping hands whenever the Filipinos need those.

This year, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, through the leadership of Ambassador Koji Haneda, have inked five grant contracts under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project that will continue Japan’s assistance to the Philippines.

The five grant contracts included projects for the construction of a dormitory building in Pasay City, construction of a health station in Mountain Province, construction of classrooms in Negros Occidental, construction of a school building in Kidapawan City and procurement of pre and postharvest equipment for the farmers of Tarlac.

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev.

These have further kept the harmonious relationship of the two nations.

In addition, Japan has also helped in strengthening the country’s defense prowess.

The envoy cited that the visit of JS KAGA vessel of Japan Maritime Self-defense Force in Subic Bay was an evident sign of the goodwill that Japan and the Philippines have formed.

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev recently made it clear that Filipinos are very much welcome to Russia whether as tourists or workers.

According to the envoy, a lot of agreements were reached and inked during the visit to Russia of the Philippines highest executive Rodrigo Duterte this 2019.

“Labor opportunities await the Filipinos,” Khovaev said.

The envoy also emphasized that opportunities are knocking on the doors of Filipinos but their qualifications should meet the requirements of the companies.