Macau, 16 March 2025 - Philippine Ambassador Jaime A. FlorCruz urged overseas Filipinos in the port city of Macau to stay united and to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.
“You may only have one vote, but together our democracy grants strength in numbers,” he intoned.
The Philippine envoy to China was in the Special Administrative Region for a three-day visit. On March 16, he joined in a townhall meeting organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR . Over 250 Filipinos living and working in Macau attended the event.
He encouraged the Filipino community to wisely choose the next batch of leaders.
“We owe it to ourselves and our children to elect people who will work for our national interests and for the lives of the Filipino people,” he said.
In his speech, Ambassador FlorCruz reiterated the commitment of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing and the Macau Consulate General to ensure the protection of the OFWs rights, welfare, and well-being.
“We are continuously working to provide assistance and support to our kababayan, whether it is through legal aid, welfare programs, or reintegration initiatives,” he said.
Ambassador FlorCruz poses for a group picture with some of the town hall attendees.
The Ambassador found time to explore the “Pinoy Street”, a row of thriving Filipino businesses in the city center. “We are proud of you and your successes,” he told Crisostomo Cruz Fajardo, the proprietor of Anak Philippine Bread, a 23-year-old bakery selling Filipino bread and pastries.
Fajardo has been doing business in Macau for 35 years and has recently opened a new branch and a small restaurant. “Nanganak na ang Anak,” FlorCruz remarked in jest.
Anak bakery owner Fajardo shared his success story
Attendees peruse the 30 objects displayed for the Ambassador’s show-and-tell presentation.
Ambassador FlorCruz also gave a presentation of 'My China Journey in 30 Objects', narrating his decades-long experience of living, studying, and working in China. The event was co-organized by Macau Consulate and the University of St. Joseph (USJ), the only private Catholic University in Macau SAR.
USJ Rector Stephen Morgan described the event as “fascinating and impactful.”
Ambassador FlorCruz narrates his 50-year China journey.
The event was attended by students and professors of the university, both Filipinos and foreigners, as well as members of the Consular Corps in Macau SAR and representatives from the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Special Administrative Region.
Ambassador FlorCruz's visit to Macau is part of the year-long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-China diplomatic relations.
