Ronaldo Z. Concha Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Philippine Consul General in Jeddah Uriel Norman Garibay held talks with Najran Emir Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah last week. The consulate delegation was accompanied by the officials of The Filipino Community in Najran (TFCN) headed by its chairman Ronald Dela Cruz. Garibay said the situation of the OFWs in the region was among issues discussed with the Emir. “The meeting with the Emir was very fruitful and I'm very happy to hear that our fellows are doing well in Najran,” Garibay said, adding that there were no Filipinos currently imprisoned in the region. Garibay also visited the Najran Chamber of Commerce and Industry and held talks with its officials. He encouraged Saudi businessmen to invest in the Philippines. Dela Cruz said the consul general visited different places of interest in Najran, including the King Khaled Hospital where he met its directors as well as the OFWs working in the hospital. “But what inspired us the most was his meeting with the community that lifted our morale,” said Dela Cruz. He said the consul general listened to all issues and concerns raised by the Filipinos and answered them in a positive way. Dela Cruz said, “Garibay's visit and show of moral support to the OFWs in Najran are enough to make us feel that the Philippine government through the consulate displayed its support to the Filipino community in this part of Saudi Arabia.” He thanked the Saudi officials for the warm reception extended to the Philippine delegation.
