Johann Brieger

29/01/2025

My journey to the Northern Philippines continues!

During my official visit to Baguio City from 27-29 January 2025, I was delighted to of meet local government officials, led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, as well as representatives from civil society, the academe, and the press. This visit was part of the European Union’s Green Economy Programme in the Philippines, which aims to assist local government units in transitioning to a green and circular economy. Our meetings and discussions centered on Baguio City’s efforts to develop policies that reduce waste and plastics, improve energy efficiency, promote renewable energy, and address climate change.

Together with my fellow diplomats, I also had the opportunity to visit several EU-funded projects related to the green economy, justice coordination, and children’s rights. Additionally, we toured Baguio City’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Command Center, the Quezon Elementary Library HOB (Hooked on Books), and the Mansion House.

Agyamanak, Baguio City, for the warm welcome and hospitality!

28/01/2025

25 January 2025

Reflecting on the remarkable day in Isabela, I had the privilege of visiting a diverse range of significant establishments that contribute to the province’s agricultural prowess and cultural heritage:

1st stop was at the rice cooperative supporting 5,000 farmers and exemplifying success in rice production.

2nd stop was at the Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc., a trendsetter in the industry with highly sophisticated technology.

3rd stop was at the Philippine Crocodile Conservation Center where they safeguard the endangered Philippine Crocodile, successfully increasing its population from 20 to 120 over the past 20 years.

4th stop was at the Moo Dairy Farm. Initiating efforts to boost local production of fresh milk, which currently represents only 2% of national demand.

5th stop was at the Matthias Church, a historic site, beautifully reconstructed after WWII, showcasing exquisite red brick architecture and a unique cylindrical belfry.

6th stop was at the Sagittarian Agricultural Philippines, Inc. A sow swine breeding complex producing 1 million pigs annually, contributing to the local demand.

Each stop reaffirmed the vital contributions these sectors make to the community and the nation. Mabuhay, Isabela!

27/01/2025

24 January 2025

Delighted to share highlights from the first day of our visit to the beautiful City of Iligan, Isabela, as part of our familiarization tour. The Bambanti Festival showcased the incredible energy of talents of the Filipino youth.

Governor Rodolfo Taguinod Albano III, together with his spouse, Atty. Mylene Garcia Albano, as well as the Deputy Governor Faustino G. Dy provided valuable insights into Isabela’s vast potential in agriculture, tourism, and cultural heritage, a true gem of the Philippines.

🇦🇹 🤝 🇵🇭

17/01/2025

On 16 January 2025, I had the honor of participating in the Installation Ceremony for the second term of H.E. Surangel Whipps Jr. as President of the Republic of Palau, alongside the inauguration of the Honorable Raynold "Arnold" Oilouch as Vice President. The event also marked the inauguration of the 12th Constitutional Government of Palau.

As the concurrent Ambassador of Austria to the Republic of Palau, I extend my sincere congratulations to the newly inaugurated leaders. Wishing the Palauan government great success in its efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and well-being for the people of Palau! 🇦🇹🤝🇵🇼

16/01/2025

Fruitful meeting with our HonConsul in Palau 🇵🇼
We discussed all the ongoing activities for the week and had a good exchange on political and security related developments. Great to hear that tourism, also from Austria, is picking up.

13/01/2025

13 January 2025

Excellent discussions on key political and security issues in the Pacific region with Palau's Minister of State, Hon. Gustav Aitaro, as we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas such as tourism, renewable energy, and multilateral forums.

🇦🇹🤝🇵🇼

18/12/2024

17 December 2024

Delighted to have attended the inauguration of the Bagong Pilipinas One-Stop OFW AKSYON Center on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the DMW Makati Building. The center consolidates essential services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, offering full-cycle support from departure to reintegration.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, government officials led the inauguration. The AKSYON Center provides services such as Balik-Mangagawa processing, reintegration support, legal assistance, and access to the DMW AKSYON Fund.

In addition, the center houses key government agencies, including the Social Security System (SSS), PAGIBIG Fund, PhilHealth, TESDA, and others from the sectors of agriculture, health, labor, trade, tourism, science and technology, and social welfare.

13/12/2024

11 December 2024

A heartwarming year-end gathering and Christmas party, bringing together colleagues, friends, and embassy partners for a festive celebration. The evening was made even more special by the children from Voice of the Free - VF Foundation, Inc. with their beautiful carol singing performance, spreading holiday cheer and sharing the spirit of giving.

Truly, a memorable event that captured the spirit of the season!

Maligayang Pasko!

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Voice of the Free is a valuable and important partner of the embassy in the ongoing fight against human trafficking. Together, we have collaborated on several impactful projects that have raised awareness, supported survivors, and strengthened the efforts to combat trafficking in the country. To know more about the organization and their advocacy, you may visit: https://www.voiceofthefree.org.ph/

07/12/2024

6 December 2024

Happy to have attended the turnover ceremony of the original 1973 Murillo Velarde Map at the Malacañan Palance.

The map, regarded as the "Mother of all Philippine Maps," was created by Filipino cartographer Francisco Suarez, engraved by Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay, and guided by Spanish Jesuit Father Pedro Murillo Velarde. It is historically significant, having been cited in the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that upheld the Philippines' sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.

The map, also known as the Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas, was purchased at a 2014 London auction by Filipino entrepreneur Mel Velarde, who later donated it to the Philippine government. Other Heads of Missions also attended the ceremony, highlighting the international significance of this historical artifact.

A replica of the said map was also donated to the Austrian Embassy in Manila.

📸/ Presidential Communications Office; ÖB Manila

07/12/2024

𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚 🇦🇹 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬

Honored to have received recognition during the "Collaborative Pathways: Advancing International Partnerships for OFWs" event held on December 3, 2024 where the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) honored Austria for its exceptional support in promoting the welfare and rights of Filipino migrant workers.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac expressed deep gratitude for Austria’s continued partnership, recognizing the country’s efforts in ensuring safe and ethical migration pathways for OFWs. Austria's contributions have been instrumental in strengthening international collaborations, benefiting both the Philippine economy and the global workforce.

📸/ Department of Migrant Workers

27/11/2024

20 November 2024

Delighted to have been a part of this incredible project by international portrait photographer Rupert Jacinto. His captivating collection of portraits this year highlights celebrated individuals in the Philippines who are making significant contributions to music and the arts. The collection is showcased in a highly anticipated photo exhibition and the launch of his latest coffee table book, Faaabulous XII.

In partnership with the Advertising Foundation of the Philippines, the exhibition and the whole project aim to support a variety of beneficiaries, including the Hydrocephalus Foundation of the Philippines, as well as the Ina ng Laging Saklolo Chapel and the San Juan Evangelista Chapel, both located in Nueva Ecija, Central Luzon.

20/11/2024

20/11/2024

05/11/2024

4 November 2024

Diplomatic reception hosted by the Philippine Foreign Secretary His Excellency Enrique A. Manalo and his wife, Madame Pamela Louise Hunt Manalo.

Thanks to SFA Manalo and Mme. Pamela Manalo for the warm hospitality and for working closely with us to further strengthen the relations between Austria and the Philippines! 🇦🇹🤝🇵🇭

16/10/2024

14 October 2024

Productive meeting with Dr. Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez, Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

We discussed exploring potential collaborations in skills development and upskilling of Filipino workers through vocational training, leveraging the successful Austrian dual education system as a model.

15/10/2024

Welcoming a new colleague to Manila!

H.E. Saija Nurminen, New Ambassador of Finland 🇫🇮 to the Philippines 🇵🇭 paid a courtesy call at the Austrian residence on 10 October 2024.

Looking forward to collaborating on shared goals in the future and strengthening diplomatic ties with our host country 🇵🇭.

14/10/2024

Oktoberfest in Manila!

An unforgettable celebration filled with vibrant energy with friends. The lively music and festive atmosphere made it a perfect backdrop for laughter and memorable moments.

Cheers to friendship, good times, and the spirit of Oktoberfest!