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65 years of Philippine-Swiss Connections: An Enduring Relationship
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MYLA ARCENO
BUREAU EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM
Myla Arceno is an elected councillor in Stevenage, a columnist for UK’s One Philippines Newsmagazine and a physiotherapist for the National Health Service (NHS) with speciality in cardiac rehab and acute medicine. She grew up and received her education from Pulupandan and Bacolod City, Philippines, and has been a resident of Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK for nearly 20 years. Myla enjoys the best of both worlds and embraces the diverse cultures and traditions of being Filipino and naturalised British. Travelling to practically every destination in the map, dancing, writing, reading and meeting people from all walks of life are some of her passions. Myla, along with her UK Roots and Wings Team, Hyacinth and Siobhan, are excited to share stories from the United Kingdom.
Myla Arceno, MCSP Stevenage, Hertfordshire petmylaj@yahoo.co.uk
SWITZERLAND
Betsy von Atzigen with Chargè d’Affaires Josephine M. Reynante Photos by Philippine Embassy Berne
The Philippines and Switzerland celebrated in Berne 65 years of diplomatic relations.
In a recent communication with Chargè d’Affaires Josephine M. Reynante on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Philippine-Swiss Relations, she explained how Philippine diplomatic relations with Switzerland began, how it evolved into what it is today and how it’s moving forward.
PHILIPPINE- SWITZERLAND RELATIONS
The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Switzerland began on 30 August 1956 upon the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries. Formal diplomatic relations ensued after the Exchange of Instruments of Ratifi cation of the Treaty of Friendship between the Philippines and Switzerland took place on 21 January 1957. Thereafter, Ambassador Salvador P. Lopez, Philippine Ambassador to France, was concurrently accredited to Switzerland on 21 June 1957.
Swiss-Philippine bilateral relations actually predate formal diplomatic relations.
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CDA Josephine M. Reynante delivering her welcome remarks
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Guests from the Federal Department, Diplomatic Corp, Swiss and Filipino Community
Interactions between the two countries can be traced back to the early 1800s when Swiss traders, missionaries and travellers ventured into Southeast Asia.
The idea of opening a Swiss offi cial representation in the Philippines was initiated in 1851, which fi nally culminated in the establishment of a Swiss honorary consulate in Manila in 1862. It was Switzerland’s fi rst consulate in Asia.
Since then, exchanges between the two countries have fl ourished, particularly in the economic, cultural, social, and political spheres. These collaborative efforts have also been strengthened through the signing of numerous agreements in the fi elds of investments, visa waiver for diplomatic and offi cial passport holders, mutual legal assistance, extradition, avoidance of double taxation, social security, and exchange of professional and technical trainees, among others.
What are the highlights of cooperation between our two nations in the sectors of trade, education, research, and innovation? Which Philippine products dominate Swiss markets?
Philippine-Swiss business relations go back to the last century with some big Swiss business names fi guring prominently alongside big names in Philippine business. Counted among these are Nestle Philippines, Holcim Philippines, Glencore Switzerland, and SGS Philippines, to name a few.
To date, there are over 60 Swiss companies present in the Philippines employing around 15,000 Filipinos. About one-third or 28% of said Swiss companies belong to the industrial sector, while 72% are in the service sector. In addition, there are a number of Filipino/Swiss family-owned enterprises running small resorts and dive shops scattered around the archipelago.
Major exports of the Philippines to Switzerland are medical instruments, mineral compounds, electrical machines, textiles and apparel and other machinery, and yellowfi n tuna.
Can you update us on Filipino immigration trends, employment, and social integration of our kababayans in Switzerland? Which canton do we fi nd the biggest concentration of Filipinos? In which sector can the Filipino Swiss contribute more to society?
Filipinos living and working in Switzerland historically migrated to the country beginning in the late 70’s as: 1) spouses of Swiss nationals; 2) professionals employed by UN agencies and other international organizations or by Swiss and multinational companies; 3) nurses and health caregivers; 4) service workers engaged by foreign diplomatic missions and their personnel; 5) representatives of churches and religious organizations; or 6) employees in other sectors. Since then, Filipinos in Switzerland have worked and integrated in various sectors of Swiss society.
In Berne, majority of Filipinos are employed in different capacities in foreign missions (technical, administrative, and private staff) and residence of heads of diplomatic missions. A sizeable number are also found in hospitals and nursing homes, working either as nurses, caregivers, or administrative staff members.
In Zürich, Filipinos are grouped in a number of sectors, including nurses and those working in medical/health allied professions; IT, engineering, and various services sectors.
In Geneva, a large portion of Filipinos work in the UN and its other agencies. Some Filipinos are also doing domestic work and other technical jobs.
In general, Filipino workers in Switzerland enjoy satisfactory working conditions and terms of employment. They are among the highest paid workers in Europe. The Filipino community in Switzerland is estimated at over 14,000, including dual citizens.
The Nightingales serenaded the guests with a medley of multilanguage songs.
How does this bilateral relationship affect ASEAN relations as a whole?
The close relations between the Philippines and Switzerland extend to the multilateral arena, such as in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN ) where Switzerland is a sectoral dialogue partner.
The Philippines supported Switzerland’s admission as an ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner.
What aims are in place to sustain and strengthen Philippine-Swiss connections beyond 65?
With the theme Philippine - Swiss Connections: An Enduring Relationship, the 65th Anniversary Philippine Swiss Diplomatic Relations held last Friday, 18 November 2022 at Hotel Schweizerhof Bern intended to resonate that the strongest ties that bind the two countries together are the various individuals and families who personify Philippine – Swiss connections.
People-to-people interactions and exchanges, such as Dr. Jose Rizal’s journey through Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Schaffh ausen, and Geneva in 1887 during which he was impressed with the Swiss people's respect for human dignity and their struggle for freedom, are what makes our bilateral relations endure and blossom.
Today, this is manifested very clearly by, among others, Swiss-Filipino families running resorts and hospitality businesses in the Philippines, and Filipino-Swiss entrepreneurs who fi nd innovative ways to do business in Switzerland.
Featured during the reception were Filipino nationals who exemplify these vital connections: Pamela Gotangco Hupp an artist based in Zurich whose “Islaw the kalabaw and Lilli the cow” collection was exhibited at the venue; MonAlp AG, founded by two siblings, Lloyd and Aileen Zumstein, who innovated mobile cheese processing for the benefi t of alpine dairy farmers; Domingo S. Domingo, a chef who creates unique dishes by blending Philippine and Swiss processes and ingredients, and Ms. Erlita Terte, former nurse who became a winemaker.
The Embassy believes that there is a vast room for further broadening and deepening Philippine-Swiss relations. And the celebration is a mere acknowledgement of what have been achieved in the past 65 years and a foretaste of future directions.
But as always, it is the warm and convivial relations among our peoples that will empower and energize our bilateral relations, promote, and sustain understanding, friendship and goodwill, and ultimately give meaning and relevance to what we do.
Heartfelt congratulations to the Philippines and Switzerland on the 65th anniversary of bilateral relations!
