Malta’s Prince Arrives Sunday for a Weeklong Philippine Visit

The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing, arrived Sunday, for a weeklong official visit in the Philippines, the Palace announced on Saturday.

Fra’ Festing, whose official visit marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malta, will stay in the country until March 7, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

He is scheduled to meet with President Aquino to discuss bilateral relations before proceeding to Eastern Samar to see the ongoing shelter projects there funded by Malta.

The region was ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013, killing thousands and destroying people’s livelihood.

Malta’s visiting prince will also hand over the symbolic key for his country’s donation of core shelters–540 finished houses, 64 ongoing, and 96 to be constructed. The shelter project is expected to be finished by the end of May 2015.

Aside from meeting President Aquino in Malacanang, Fra’ Festing’s official delegation will also meet with Vice President Jejomar Binay, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Acting Health Secretary Janette Garin.

On March 5, Thursday, Fra’ Festing and his official delegation will visit Basey, Samar and see the 350 core shelters donated by Malta.

Malteser International, Malta’s humanitarian, has been actively working in the Philippines providing assistance in areas like healthcare, hygiene and sanitation.

The organization is also involved in feeding programs, the provision of food supplements and medical supplies and disaster relief and rehabilitation. PND (as)