CDA Vida Soraya Verzosa presents a gift to Ilocos Sur Governor Jeremias  

"Jerry" C. Singson during their courtesy call on 05 December 2022

PH EMBASSY IN DAMASCUS AND GOVERNMENT OF ILOCOS SUR  DISCUSS SISTER CITIES AGREEMENT AND ASSISTANCE-TO-NATIONALS  CONCERNS DURING MONTH OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS 

DAMASCUS - On the occasion of the Month of Overseas Filipinos, as mandated  by Proclamation No. 276 series of 1988, the Philippine Embassy in Damascus  called on Governor Jeremias “Jerry” C. Singson and Vice Governor Ryan Luis V.  Singson of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur on 5 December 2022 at the  New Provincial Capitol Building in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.  

During the call, Charge d’affaires, a.i. Vida Soraya Verzosa shared that there are  existing bilateral Cultural, Tourism, SMSE Promotion, and One Town One Product  (OTOP) Agreements between the Philippines and the Syrian Arab Republic. In line  with this, she explained that having a Sister Cities Agreement between the City of  Damascus and Vigan City would be a significant way to catalyze mutually  beneficial projects for economic growth and cultural diplomacy.  

Governor Jerry Singson agreed and shared that both Vigan City and the City of  Damascus are homes of various UNESCO Heritage Sites. Both are also in the  process of reconstruction, especially after the Vigan magnitude 7.0 earthquake  and Syrian conflict that destroyed several ancient cultural properties. He said that  Ilocanos have developed expertise in managing heritage conservation initiatives  

and international cooperation would be a positive move for both parties in  strengthening bilateral relations.  

Afterwards, during the call of CDA Verzosa with Vice Governor Ryan Singson, he  also affirmed that there is a need to inform Overseas Filipinos from the Ilocos  region about the work of the Embassy. He said that his office is also in charge of  handling Overseas Filipino Worker concerns and he was happy that Ilocanos can  also be assisted while they are in Syria. There are many potential projects that can  boost tourism promotion of Vigan City for the Middle East market and he agreed  that this can help improve the progressive development of the Province of Ilocos  Sur through international partnerships.  

At the end of the calls, CDA Verzosa presented her gifts from Syria to Governor  Jerry Singson and Vice Governor Ryan Singson.  

CDA Verzosa was also interviewed by Bombo Radyo Vigan and the courtesy call  was posted in the Facebook page of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur and  the Ryan Luis V. Singson (Official FAN PAGE). -END 

CDA Verzosa with Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Ryan Singson 

CDA Verzosa with Vice Governor Singson and Executive Assistant Ms. Cara Michelle Tabios