Rome – The Philippine Ambassador to Italy, H.E. Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. hosted a cocktail reception on 18 November 2011 in recognition of Ms. Irma Tobias, an exemplary Filipina who has recently been awarded the “2011 Bagong Bayani Award for Community and Social Service,” for her tireless efforts in community and socially relevant activities.
Ms. Tobias is known in Rome as an advocate for women and labor rights, philanthropist, social scientist, social worker, teacher, and author. She also served as an additional councilor in the City Council of Rome representing immigrants from Asia. She is currently the President of Kaisahan Ng Manggagawang Pilipino Sa Italya(KAMPI), a socio-civic organization based in Rome that promotes and protects the rights of overseas Filipino workers.
In his speech, Ambassador Reyes likewise recognized the numerous other Filipinos who, just like Ms. Tobias, continue to contribute positively, in their own ways, to ensure the welfare of the Filipino community in Italy and hoped that, in the coming years, more Bagong Bayani awardees, will come from the Filipino community in Italy.
On 1 December, Ms. Tobias received the prestigious award from H.E. President Benigno Aquino III, who led the awarding rites for the country’s outstanding overseas Filipino workers. (Phil. Embassy Rome)
