DOHA: The Philippine Embassy in Doha has improved its economic diplomacy ranking among Philippine missions in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region due to its initiatives and activities which have gained support from the community.

From 11th place the embassy is now fifth among Philippine missions in the region according to the Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations (OUER) at the Department of Foreign Affairs, said Ambassador Wilfredo C Santos (pictured).

“Our embassy in Doha is being assessed in terms of performance and because of our various events last year under Kulinarya at the same time those promoting Filipino culture like the ballet performance and the showing of the movie Heneral Luna and other economic and cultural efforts we were able to improve our ranking in Mena from No. 11 to No.  5 in terms of economic diplomacy thrust,” said Santos.

Speaking to the media, he  revealed details of the second edition of Kulinarya Qatar — a year round initiative aimed at promoting Filipino cuisine and tourism which will see a major community event featuring a three-day food festival next month.

The embassy staged well-attended cultural shows last year such as “Masterpieces” featuring Ballet Philippines and the screening of the historical biopic “Heneral Luna” both held in Katara.

A brainchild of the ambassador, Kulinarya has taken major strides in just a year in promoting Filipino cuisine among Filipinos as well as introducing it to the larger international community.

“Kulinarya is community driven, that while it is under the umbrella of the Philippine Embassy it is supported by the community. Right now they are taking a more independent approach taking the initiative to undertake this project with Embassy’s support. It shows that the ability of our community to organize events like this is not only growing but is already established,” he added.

He expressed confidence Kulinarya will be sustained in future to with many more projects in the pipeline including bringing Filipino celebrity chefs to Qatar, organising Filipino food week in hotels and hosting familiarisation tours in the Philippines targeting other nationalities.

“Progress has been made when it comes to the familiarisation tours. We are just waiting for the final programme,” he said, adding media persons and travel agents from Qatar will be invited for the tours.

With all its efforts on economic and political areas of diplomacy, the embassy’s main priority remains assisting its nationals and providing efficient and quality services, he stressed.

The embassy recently announced its plans to institute an appointment system and mobile services for e-passport renewal to decongest the its consular section. It has also opened several hotlines and direct lines dedicated to consular assistance to nationals.

Last year, the embassy processed more than 1,900 visas and 30,000 passports. “We are a very busy post. The embassy ranks high when it comes to assisting our nationals and providing consular services. We are in the top 10 in all types of consular services, number 2 in notarial and authentication services,” he said.

“Consular assistance to our nationals occupies a large part of our work but we cannot neglect other areas where we can promote our country which are economic and political diplomacy,” he added.

As seen on The Peninsula