Filipinos donate P19M to renovate embassy in KL

Carol RH Malasig

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President Aquino comes home from his state visit, proud of how Filipinos there renovated the country's embassy in Malaysia without cost to the government

RENOVATED. A photo of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur taken on December 2013. The embassy lighted Christmas lanterns (parol) in a ceremony to thank the Malaysian government and other organizations for helping Filipinos affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Photo taken by Ariel Esparto of the Philippine Embassy, posted on the Embassy's Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines – Now that is bayanihan.

When President Benigno Aquino III arrived from his first state visit to Malaysia Saturday morning, March 1, one of the good news he delivered was how the Filipino community in that country helped renovate the embassy in Kuala Lumpur – at no expense to the Philippine government.

Talaga pong napakasarap pong mabalitaan na may mga Pilipinong nagtitipon sa ngalan ng malasakit at pagkamakabayan upang makatulong sa kanilang kapwa at bansa,” Aquino said in his remarks early morning, upon arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

(It’s heartwarming to hear that there are Filipinos who come together in the name of concern and patriotism to help their fellows and their country.)

The Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur used to be a two-storey residence built in the 1960s. It was acquired by the Philippine government in 1987 and was renovated twice prior to the Filipino community’s efforts – first in 1993, then in 2011 for some re-roofing and electrical wiring updates.

ELEGANCE. The embassy chancery, originally built in the 60s now looks new and elegant. Photo from the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur

In his speech during Aquino’s state visit, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya lauded the Filipinos in Malaysia for their contributions, He particularly cited architect Bart B. Vista, who has been in the residential construction sector in Malaysia for some 20 years.

Malaya narrated how, some two years ago, Vista noticed the “undistinguished condition” of the embassy building and offered to renovate it. 

“Together with his long-time suppliers, sub-contractors, and work crews, he renovated the 1960s-styled former residence, which served as our office, and transformed it into a proper and, in some aspects, elegant chancery,” Malaya said in his speech.

“He made the office more comfortable to our embassy staff, embassy guests and clients, and the Filipino community, and an embassy we can truly be proud of. All told, this kind-hearted individual spent a significant amount of his own and his friends’ resources and at no cost to the embassy,” the ambassador added.

FOR THE PEOPLE. The embassy's new community hall and library is a place where the embassy's clients can sit, read, and get to know their kababayans abroad. Photo from the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur's Facebook

Malaya said Vista told him he merely wanted to “give back to the Philippines, and perhaps through the embassy, he could do so.”

Vista got help from his Filipino associates and his Malaysian collaborators in spearheading the renovations of the chancery. They started in late February 2012 and was finished by June of the same year, in time for the Philippine Embassy’s celebration of Indpendence Day.

After the long-sought renovations, the chancery now has a hotel-like reception area on the first floor, a receiving room for guests on the second floor, a new conference room, and a more spacious community hall where the library used to be. 

The consular area was also expanded, resulting in a wider passport processing section and an interview area for its assistance to nationals (ATN) clients.

Outside, the consular waiting area was expanded and improved, with better counters to serve the public, and a new flat-screen television to entertain the clients while they wait their turn for their transactions. The embassy has also maintained the free wi-fi connection for the use and enjoyment of its clients and visitors.

Just last year, the renovated Philippine embassy in Malaysia became a gateway for donations to victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Hundreds of boxes containing blankets, canned goods, noodles, rice, medicines, and other relief essentials went through the newly-renovated post.

They later on thanked the Malaysian government, non-governmental organizations, and private groups through a Christmas lantern (parol) lighting ceremony at the embassy.

The same embassy also received the “Best Organization” award last year during Department of Foreign Affairs Day. 

IMPROVEMENTS. A white gazebo constructed in 2011 was also improved by Architect Vista and his associates. Photo from the Philippine Embassy

Malaya also reported to the President how the spirit of bayanihan is perfectly intact among Filipinos in Malaysia, how they have provided much help to their kababayans, raising the image of the country through its people. 

“They serve as our mini-ambassadors for the country, as they have made their marks as teachers, medical professionals, engineers, and highly-regarded household workers,” he said. “Through hard and honest work, they not only provide financial support for their families back home but also have raised the profile and image of our country here in Malaysia,” he said. – Rappler.com

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