19 December 2021 -  The Philippine Embassy's representatives headed by H.E. Ambassador Raymond Balatbat attended the Filipino community-led Christmas events:

Paskong Handog 2021 -  A cultural presentation contest and fund-raising event spearheaded by members of the Filipino community in partnership with the Jesuit congregation of the St. Joseph Church in Tabaris - Achrafieh, Beirut. The event was held in the said church attended mostly by OFWs.

Ambassador Balatbat graced the said event delivering an inspirational message in honor of the invitation received from the Filipino community.  He highlighted the enduring Christmas spirit of Filipinos amid challenging times in both Lebanon and the Philippines considering the effects of the economic crisis in the former and the pandemic in general.  He also extended his appreciation to the initiatives of the Filipino community leaders and the active participation of their NGO partners, i.e. KAFA and Caritas Lebanon for their support of the event.

Christmas Gathering of 'Philippine Mothers in Lebanon'  -   A yuletide gathering attended mostly by overseas Filipino women, their Lebanese spouses, and children.  Vice Consuls Miko Cabatingan and Glaiza Quarteros joined Ambassador Raymond Balatbat in addressing the Filipino community present during the event.

The organizers awarded a plaque of appreciation to the Philippine Embassy for its continued commitment to support the Filipino community in Lebanon.  Ambassador Balatbat graciously received the said award along with a portrait painted by a budding Filipino-Lebanese artist and social worker, Amira Zein. 

In view of the health protocols during the pandemic, the Embassy-led face-to-face gatherings with the Filipino community were minimized.  However, the Embassy provides support in attendance to the Filipino community's initiatives while observing safety precautions in order to maintain its presence during the yuletide occassions. END