Month: March 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Results announced for All India Drawing & Painting competition celebrating the spirit of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Over 68000 students across India participated in the competitions

Posted On: 31 MAR 2025 2:44PM by PIB Delhi

Maha Kumbh Mela, a sacred confluence of faith and tradition, stands as the largest peaceful gathering in the world, deeply rooted in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. This significant event transpired from 13th January to 26th February, 2025, representing the perpetual human quest for spiritual enlightenment. The festival, known for its deep philosophical significance and vibrant cultural expressions, brings together millions for a collective celebration of devotion, knowledge and unity.

To encourage young minds to artistically explore the essence of this sacred tradition, the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education (MoE), organised an All India Drawing & Painting competition across the nation on the theme of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. The competition was conducted for students of Classes 6th–8th from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and Central Board of Secondary Education-affiliated schools throughout the country. The competition was organised under the three themes of Bhavya Maha Kumbh, Divya Maha Kumbh and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, with an emphasis on originality and creativity. The objective was to encourage students to understand the spiritual and cultural significance of the event as well as India’s rich cultural traditions and values so as to appreciate and celebrate the spirit of unity in diversity. The results were declared on 24^th March 2025.

The participation in the contest was extensive, with a total of 39,840 students from 1040 Kendriya Vidyalayas, 26,398 students from 404 Navodaya Vidyalayas schools and 2,887 students from 1,000 CBSE schools. The entries were received through Nodal officers of KVS, NVS and CBSE for national-level screening. The best entries were selected in two phases, i.e., primary-level entries were selected by Nodal officers by their own screening committees and the second-level entries were evaluated, recorded and finalized under the screening committee by NCERT.

 

 

The winners in both the drawing and painting categories were selected for the cash prizes and certificates. The first prize for each category is Rs. 15,000, with second and third prizes of Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 7,000, respectively. Ten consolation prizes, including certificates and gift hampers, are also awarded in both categories.

List of awards and prizes in each category at All India Drawing and Painting Contest on the theme of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

 

Drawing Competition				Painting Competition
Awards	Student Name	Address for Communication	CBSE/NVS/KVS	Awards	Student Name	Address for Communication	CBSE/NVS/KVS
I	VIVEK SHARMA	MAHESHWARI PUB SCHOOL VAISHALI NAGAR AJMER RAJASTHAN	CBSE	I	LAVANYA THAKUR	PM SHRI, KV NO.1, BINNAGURI CANT, WEST BENGAL	KVS
II	LAKSHARAJ JORWAJ	PM SHRI, NVS, KHERLI, POST BHANDAREJ, DISTRICT DAUSA, RAJASTHAN	NVS	II	MYRA GODWAJ	BHARAT RAM GLOBAL SCHOOL, INDRAPURM,GZBD,UP	CBSE
III	AVNEESH NAND	PM SHRI NVS, VILLAGE BAHUAR, DISTRICT: SONEBHADRA, UTTAR PRADESH	NVS	III	ANUSHKA DAS	KVS, BOLPUR, BRITTISADAN, PRANTIK, DISTRICT-BIRBHUM, WEST BENGAL	KVS

 

Ten Consolation prizes each comprising a certificate and a gift hamper

 

Drawing Competition				Painting Competition
Sl.No	Student Name	Address for Communication	CBSE/NVS KVS	Sl. No	Student Name	Address for Communication	CBSE/NVS KVS
1.	AJAY SUJIT KUMAR	PM SHRI SCHOOL JNV, VILLAGE POKHRAPUR, DISTRICT SOLAPUR, MAHARASHTRA	JNV	1.	SAANVI GOPAL	ATOMIC ENERGY CENTRAL SCH-5 ANUSHAKTHI NGR MR	CBSE
2.	AJESH MARKAM	JNV, PM SHRI SCHOOL, DANTEWADA, CHATTISGARH	NVS	2.	SHOBHIT KUMAR	JAYSHREE PERIWAL GLOBAL SCH JAGATPURA JAIPUR RJ	CBSE
3.	JAIDEEP SINGH	JNV, PM SHRI SCHOOL, BRINGKHERA, SHRI MUKTSAR SAHIB (PUNJAB)	JNV	3.	VANI DOGRA	PM SHRI, KV N0-2, KANGRA (H.P), VILLAGE BILHDER	KVS
4.	KHUSHI KUMARI	KVS, ASANSOL DISTRICT PASCHIM BURDWAN	KVS	4.	ARADHYA DIMARI	KV AUGUSTYAMUNI, RUDRAPRAYAG, UTTARAKHAND	KVS
5.	LAKSH	PM SHRI SCHOOL, KV KAPURTHALA CANTT.	KVS	5.	HANU	KVS DHARAMPURI, MP	KVS
6.	P. MOKSHITHA	KVS NO.2, CRS SETTIPALLI TIRUPUTI	KVS	6.	ISHAN PODDAR	NARULA PUBLIC SCHOOL MOGRA HOOGHLY WB	CBSE
7.	POOJA DURGADAS	PH SHRI KV, POST BOX 80, JALOGAON, MAHARSHTRA	KVS	7.	DEVASMITA KARMAKAR	PM SHRI, KV NO. 3, MAMUN CANTT. PATHANKOT	KVS
8.	PRATIK ROY	KV NO.2 DHANBAD	KVS	8.	SONAL SINGH CHAHAR	KVS NO. 3, AGAR AGRA CANTT. (UP)	KVS
9.	PRERNA S	KVS-2, DHANBAD	KVS	9.	RIYA YADAV	MODERN PUBLIC SCHOOL B BLK SHALIMAR BAGH DLI	CBSE
10.	RICKY SINGH KHWAIRAKPAM	KVS, NHPC, VIDUT VIHAR KOM, LOKTAK MANIPUR	KVS	10.	POONAM	KVS NO. 3, AGAR AGRA CANTT. (UP)	KVS

 

The All India Drawing and Painting Contest on Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has served as a platform for young minds to creatively express their interpretations of this timeless tradition. As envisioned in #NEP2020, cultural awareness and artistic expression are integral to holistic learning and these budding artists have exemplified this through their creativity.

*****

MV/AK

MOE/DoHE/31 March 2025/6

(Release ID: 2117021) Visitor Counter : 25

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) reminds members of the public today (March 31) not to enter the Sham Wan Restricted Area, Lamma Island, from tomorrow (April 1) to October 31 to protect nesting green turtles.
 
     The Sham Wan Restricted Area includes a beach of 0.5 hectare and a sea inlet of 98.2 hectares adjoining the beach at Sham Wan (see Annex). The restricted period lasts seven months, from April 1 to October 31.
 
     An AFCD spokesman said, “The green turtle is an endangered species protected by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) in Hong Kong. It is also the only sea turtle species that nests locally. The sandy beach at Sham Wan on Lamma Island is the only site in Hong Kong and one of the few sites in the South China Sea at which green turtles nest from time to time. Green turtles are known to stay in waters adjacent to their natal beaches before and in between their nesting. During the period, breeding green turtles are particularly sensitive to human disturbances, which may frighten them and cause them to abandon nesting. The designation of the Sham Wan Restricted Area helps protect endangered green turtles and their breeding ground. It can bring about a positive impact on the survival and breeding of green turtles in the long run.”
 
     The spokesman pointed out that AFCD staff will conduct patrols to prevent unauthorised entry to the area and monitor the occurrence and nesting activities of green turtles. Unauthorised entry to the restricted area is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 upon conviction.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 31) that all public libraries will be closed on Good Friday (April 18), while students’ study rooms will be open from 8am to 9.30pm.

     Apart from individual libraries’ closing days, the opening hours of all public libraries on Ching Ming Festival (April 4), the day following Good Friday (April 19), and Easter Monday (April 21) will be the same as those for public holidays.

     To carry out system maintenance work, the Multimedia Information System and online reservation of computer facilities services will be suspended from 9pm on April 17 to 7am on April 19. Moreover, the following services will also be suspended from 0.30am on April 18 to 7am on April 19:

• library mobile app services and Internet and telephone renewal services;
• other online library services, including the library catalogue, borrowers’ record enquiries, reservation of library materials and electronic resources (e-books and e-databases); and
• self-service library stations (readers may still return books to the stations before the due date, and the loan record will be updated within two working days).
   

     Details can be obtained from notices posted at all public libraries and on the website at www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/library-notices/library-notices-list.html. For enquiries, please call 2921 0208.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Hongkong Post announced today (March 31) that, as advised by the postal administration of Korea, mail delivery services to the areas with the postcodes 364xx-367xx and 374xx previously impacted by wildfires have returned to normal.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS by Hon. Niuava Eti Leatiogie Malolo Funefeai, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (19 March 2025)

Your Excellency Fei Mingxing, Ambassador of the Government of the People’s Republic of China in Samoa,

Distinguished Representatives from the Government of the People’s Republic of China,

Our SCATAP Chinese Expert Team,

Our MAF colleagues,

Our SCATAP Model Farmers,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Talofa Lava and Warm Greetings to You All!

It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today on this momentous occasion, the official handover of agricultural aid materials, provided through the Samoa-China Agricultural Technical Aid Project, SCATAP. The SCATAP initiative, which has been implemented by both Governments of Samoa and the People’s Republic of China for six consecutive phases now since 2010, is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between our two Governments, in the area of agriculture and food security.

On behalf of the Government of Samoa and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, I wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, for their continued support in advancing agricultural development in our small island country.

The generous assistance provided through SCATAP has played a crucial role in strengthening our local farming practices, improving productivity, and enhancing food security and nutrition for our people.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Samoa’s economy, sustaining the livelihoods of many families in our rural communities. It is therefore important that we continue to introduce modern farming techniques, improve seed quality, and promote sustainable practices, to ensure long-term food security and nutrition, and economic resilience. Through SCATAP, we have seen remarkable progress in capacity building, technology transfer, and access to essential farming tools and resources.

Today, as we officially receive these agricultural aid materials, we recognize the positive impact they will have on our farmers and our agricultural sector as a whole. These resources will help us increase production, improve efficiency, and create more opportunities for our farmers to thrive.

To our farmers and stakeholders, I encourage you to use these materials in a way that maximizes its benefits, and the knowledge shared through this partnership. Let us work together to further develop Samoa’s agricultural sector, ensuring economic prosperity, and food security and nutrition for our future generations.

In closing, I wish to again express my sincere appreciation to the Ambassador and Government Representatives of the People’s Republic of China, the dedicated SCATAP Chinese Expert Team, and all those involved in making this development partnership a success, and may it continue to grow for the desired benefits of both our countries.

Soifua ma ia manuia!

TUFATUFAINA ALOAIA O MEAFAIGALUEGA MO LE AU FAIFAATOAGA TAUALA MAI LE POLOKETI A LE SCATAP I LE FAIGAPA’AGA A SAMOA MA SAINA

SAUNOAGA AUTU a le Minisita o Faatoaga ma Faigafaiva le afioga Niuava Eti Leatiogie Malolo Funefeai, (19 Mati 2025)

Lau Afioga i le ali’i Amepasa o le Malo o Saina i Samoa nei, Your Excellency Fei Mingxing,

Afifio sui mai le Malo o Saina,

‘Au faigaluega fa’apitoa a le tatou SCATAP mai Saina,

Sui o paaga tumaoti mo atinae fa’atoaga ma faigafaiva,

Le mamalu o le aufaifa’atoaga,

Talofa, talofa lava.

E muamua ona ou fa’atalofa atu i le suafa manumalo o Iesu Keriso, le Ao o le Ekalesia i lo outou paia , ma lo outou mamalu. Malo afua ailao ua maua, ua poto moli i futiafu e tasi i lo outou soifua maualuga ma le lagi e mama i lenei taeao matagofie, ina ua tatou feiloai i magafetau soifua. Vi’ia le Atua, ma ia fa’amanuina lona Suafa Paia.

Ou te matautia fa’atulou i lenei aofia aemaise o le maimoa fa’afofoga mai a Samoa i lenei aso. E iai le manatu, o paia fa’ataotooto o Samoa ua potopoto, o le a le o’o iai se leo vaivai, aua e taliu ae popoe, ina ne’i le atoa li’o le masina, ona faitauina lea o le tautalaga. Nu’unu’u atu fa’atini o tausala. Ae tatou aumaia mamalu o le Atua e palelae’i ai lenei taeao ua tatou potopoto ai i Nu’u nei, i le Vaega o Laau Toto aua lenei fa’amoemoe taua.

Ae o le a aga’i loa sina fa’amatalaga pu’upu’u i le auga o aute o lenei aso. Ou te tulai atu ai la ma le agaga fiafia tele i o outou luma i lenei taeao, ona o se fa’amoemoe sa fauao, faupo, sa talia lupe o maunu pe taunu’u nei fa’amanuiaga, ae fa’afetai i le Atua ua ia fa’ataunu’uina ma tu’uina mai le avanoa ma lenei laolao e fa’aleo ai ma le loto fa’afetai nei meaalofa ua foaina e le Malo tele o Saina, e tauala mai i le Poloketi o le SCATAP, lea o le a tauaaoina aloaia i lenei taeao mo le tatou Matagaluega o Fa’atoaga ma Faigafaiva, aemaise o ana paaga faifa’atoaga.

O lenei fa’amoemoe na afua mai i taumafaiga a le tatou Malo e tauala mai i le tatou Matagaluega ina ia fa’amalosia le galulue fa’apaaga o Malo e lua (Samoa ma Saina) i le atina’e o fa’atoaga ma le si’itia o le tulaga o le mauaina pea o taumafa mo ona tagata.

E ia te a’u le ava ma le fa’aaloalo e tatau ai e tu’uina atu ai se lagona o le agaga fa’afetai tele lava i le Malo o Saina e fai ma fofoga taumolimoli o le Malo o Samoa, ma le Matagaluega o Fa’atoaga ma Faigafaiva, e tusa ai o nei foa’i taua, e ala i mea faigaluega, atoa ma le lasi o mea ua taua’aoina i lenei aso.

Fa’afetai tele mo le lagolago o lo’o fa’aauauina pea e ala i atina’e eseese ma metotia fou ua fa’asoa mai aua le si’itia o tomai ma agava’a o le mamalu o le aufaifa’atoaga ma le Matagaluega, ina ia si’itia ai le tamaoaiga o le tatou atunu’u e ala i atina’e o fa’atoaga.

E tumau pea le avea o atinae o fa’atoaga ma ivitu malosi o le tamaoaiga o Samoa, lea o lo’o ola fa’alagolago iai aiga uma aua tupe maua ma le tausia o le ola manuia o tagata taitoatasi.

O le fa’asoa mai o tomai ma agava’a fa’anei ona po i le faiga o fa’atoaga, o metotia eseese, ituaiga fatu laau eseese, seia o’o lava i ituaiga faiga o fa’atoaga e mautinoa le fa’aauauina pea ina ia maua pea taumafa, ma e mafai ona pulea gafataulimaina ma tali atu i suiga o le tau.

O nisi o vaega taua o lenei poloketi ua afua ai nei foai e ala i mea faigaluega, ina ia fa’aoga tatau, e aofia ai le si’itia lea o tomai ma agava’a o le aufaigaluega ma le aufaifa’atoaga e pei o a’oa’oga ma polokalame fefa’asoaa’i, aemaise ai o le fa’aogaina o mea faigaluega talafeagai mo le fa’afaigofieina o le fa’atinoina o atinae o fa’atoaga.

O le asō, ua tatou molimauina nei foai taua ma le aoga, o le a saga fa’amausali ai le aoga mo le atina’e o fa’atoaga a le mamalu o le aufaifa’atoaga, sosaiete, aemaise o pa’aga tumaoti. E talitonu o le a fesoasoaini tele nei meafaigaluega i le si’itia o fua o fa’atoaga ma atina’e, aemaise o le a tele avanoa mo le aufaifa’atoaga latou te agava’a ai i nei fa’amanuiaga.

Mo le aufaifa’atoaga ma pa’aga uma a le tatou Matagaluega i lenei taeao, o le tu’ualalo ma le fa’amalosiau mo lo outou mamalu, ia fa’aoga lelei nei foai ma tomai ua fa’asoaina mai e nei sui o le Malo o Saina. Ia tatou galulue fa’atasi mo se Samoa manuia ina ia mau le atunu’u i taumafa aua fanau lalovaoa.

O le a le fa’amatafauloaina se fa’amatalaga, e toe momoli atu le agaga fa’afetai tele lava i le aumalaga mai le Malo o Saina i lana Afioga i le ta’ita’i malaga, aemaise le amepasa o le Malo Saina o lo’o i’inei Samoa, fa’apea le aufaigaluega a le SCATAP, fa’atasi ai ma i latou uma sa tofu sao mo lenei taumafaiga. Ia tumau pea le galulue fa’atasi, ma ia fa’aauauina pea lenei faigapaaga i le va o Malo e lua aua le manuia o ona tagata.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

Ata Pueina – Malo o Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)

March 31, 2025

Source:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Minister of Commerce Industry and Labour, Honourable Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua (14th March 2025)

Reverend Misipati Afutiti,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to all participants representing various organizations, school principals, teachers and students who are gathered here today for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Labour (Ministry) Awareness Day.

TALOFA LAVA

Today’s programme marks the commemoration of the World Consumer Rights Day, an important occasion dedicated to celebrating consumer rights and standing in solidarity with the global consumer movement.

The Ministry commemorated the World Consumer Rights Day on March 14th, 2025, in advance of the internationally recognized date of March 15th, which falls on a Saturday. The World Consumer Rights Day is an annual event that provides an opportunity to advocate for the protection and respect of consumer rights while addressing market abuses and social injustices that undermine those rights. The World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by President John F Kennedy, who, on March 15, 1962, delivered a special message to the US Congress that formally acknowledged the importance of consumer rights. The day was first observed by Consumer International (CI) on 15 March 1983 and continues to be commemorated each year on this date, driving action on key issues and campaigns. This year marks the 27th celebration of World Consumer Rights Day in Samoa.

In June 1998, the Samoan Government enacted the Fair Trading Act, aimed at protecting consumer rights and establishing conduct standards for businesses operating in Samoa. This legislation was later refined and strengthened by the Competition and Consumer Act of 2016.

In honour of this special day, the Ministry sets aside the universal theme “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles” but chooses to proceed raising commitment in engaging consumers and businesses to interact in a solid and competitive trading environment by conducting an outreach program.

The eight fundamental Consumer Rights include:

1. Right to satisfaction of basic needs

2. Right to safety

3. Right to information

4. Right to choose

5. Right to representation

6. Right to redress

7. Right to a healthy environment

8. Right to consumer education

It is our hope that by the conclusion of today’s activities, all attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of their consumer rights and obligations, the Ministry’s services and its integral role within our community. We also eagerly anticipate receiving your valuable feedback to further improve our services.

On that note, I wish you all a successful and enriching day.

I HEREBY DECLARE THIS AWARENESS DAY OFFICIALLY OPENED.

Soifua.

FAAMANATUINA O LE ASO FAAPITOA MO AIA TATAU A TAGATA FAATAU 2025

SAUNOAGA AUTU a le Minisita o le Matagaluega o Pisinisi Alamanuia ma Laipa le afioga Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua, (14 Mati 2025)

E manatu o lea ua pale i galutu’u seegapapa a le tupu e pei o le fetalaiga i le malae o le Tea Malosi . Ua o tatou fesilafai foi i pu’e o manu ae le o mala i le alofa ma le agalelei o le Tapaau Sili i le Lagi. Ae e’e ia i vaatapu ou paia sausaugatā Samoa auā o paia lava mai le vavau seia o’o i le faavavau.

Lau Susūga i le Ta’ita’i o le sauniga ma le pa’ia maualuga o le valaaulia. Mālo le soifua manuia ma le lagi e mamā. O lea ua māe’a ona asa uta mamao ma uta lalata, ua uma foi ona paniniu pa’ia o le taeao ma le aso e pei ona saunoa i ai le fofoga o le aso. Ae o le a salatonu ia lau o le fō ma vili tonu le ifi a Māina e tusa ai ma le faamoemoe o lenei aso.

O le faamoemoe ua taunuu, o le la’au lea o le soifua. Faafetai tele mo le taliaina o le vala’au atu a le Matagaluega ina ia tatou auai faatasi I lenei faamoemoe.

O lenei faamoemoe ua faapitoa lea mo le faailogaina o le Aso Faapitoa mo le Puipuia o Aia Tatau a Tagata Faatau.

O le aso 15 o Mati i tausaga taitasi e faamanatuina ai i le lalolagi atoa le Aso Faapitoa mo le Faalauiloaina o Aia Tatau a Tagata Faatau o le Lalolagi (World Consumer Rights Day). Talu ai o le aso 15 e pāu i le Aso Toonai, o lea ua faailogaina ai i le asō le aso faapitoa i lenei tausaga.

O lenei Aso Faapitoa sa ulua’i faamamaluina mai le tausaga e 1983 e se tasi o Peresetene ta’uta’ua o le malo o Amerika, o John F Kennedy. O le tausaga e 1998 na amata faamamaluina ai i Samoa lenei aso faapitoa ina ua pasiaina le Tulafono o Fefaatauaiga Talafeagai lea ua suia nei i le Tulafono o Faiga Faatauvaga mo Fefaatauaiga ma le Puipuia o Tagata e Fa’aaogaina Oloa ma Auaunaga 2016. O se tasi o sini autu o lenei Tulafono o le puipuia lea o aia tatau a tagata faatau i le atunuu.

O le luasefulu fitu (27) ai lenei o tausaga talu ona faamamaluina i Samoa lenei aso faapitoa ma ua avea ai lava le aso 15 o Mati o tausaga taitasi ma aso faapitoa mo lenei faamoemoe taua. O se faailoga foi lea o le faatauaina tele o aia tatau a tagata faatau uma.

O ia Aia Tatau e 8 e aofia ai:

1. Aia Tatau i oloa ma auaunaga saogalemu

2. Aia Tatau i faamatalaga o oloa ma auaunaga

3. Aia Tatau e filifili ai i oloa lelei ma auaunaga talafeagai ma lou mana’o

4. Aia Tatau faa-le-tulafono

5. Aia Tatau mo le faamalieina o manaoga masani

6. Aia Tatau e toe faaleleia ai se oloa, toe sui se oloa, poo le toe totogi foi o se oloa poo se auaunaga ua lē talafeagai

7. Aia Tatau i se si’osi’omaga mama

8. Aia Tatau ia A’oa’oina

Ua filifili le Matagaluega e faataatia le Sini Autu Faavaomalo mo lenei Tausaga “O se suiga tonu i se olaga gafataulimaina” ae faatautaia polokalame faalauiloa e saga unaia atili ai le silafia o tagata faatau i a latou matafaioi poo aia tatau.

O se faamanatu taua tele mo tagata faatau, ia fa’aaogaina a latou aia tatau ma le tatau i taimi o fefaatauaiga ma fesoasoani tele ia ausia se si’osi’omaga maloloina ma talafeagai i maketi o fefaatauaiga.

E i ai le manatu maualuga o le a fa’aaogaina lenei avanoa tatou te talatalanoa ai ma fefa’asoa’i i mataupu uma o loo mafai ona tuuina atu ai se fesoasoani, fautuaga ma se auaunaga a lenei Matagaluega. E le gata i lea o ni auaunaga e tatau ona faaleleia atili a le Matagaluega.

Ia manūteleina lenei aso i le alofa o le Atua, ma ou te faamalosi ‘au atu ina ia fa’aaoga lenei avanoa lelei ma le tāua tatou te fefaasoaa’i ai ma fetufaa’i ai. Ia tatala le tofā ma le faautautaga sasa’a i finagalo o le tatou mafutaga ina ia tofu le gogo ma si ana i’a auā lava le sini autu o lenei aso. Ia agalelei mai le Alii ma tulituliloaina pea i tatou i lona alofa tunoa ma lona filemu ma taitaiina atu i tatou uma i le faaiuga o lenei faamoemoe.

UA TATALA ALOAIA LE TATOU FAAMOEMOE I LE ASŌ.

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA.

Ata Pueina – Malo o Samoa (Taunuuga Toatasi)

March 31, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – Wednesday 19th March 2025] The newly accredited Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Independent State of Samoa, H.E. Ms. Kira Christianne D. Azucena presented her Letter of Credence to the Head of State of Samoa at the credential ceremony held yesterday afternoon, on 19 March 2025.

On the occasion, Ambassador Azucena in her remarks conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of the Philippines, His Excellency Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr to the Head of State and to the Government and People of Samoa. The Ambassador also highlighted the remarkable parallels and similarities between both Samoa and Filipino cultures, attributing these commonalities to the very relations that both nations enjoy today. Ambassador Azucena reaffirmed the Philippines commitment to strengthening the diplomatic ties and cooperation between the two countries for a better and prosperous future for all.

Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II acknowledged the Government of the Philippines continued support for Samoa through their Technical Cooperation programme and expressed his gratitude for the latter’s assistance through the Trainers training on diplomatic protocol and conference management workshop conducted in March 2024 to assist Samoa with its preparations in hosting the 2024 CHOGM. The Head of State also expressed his confidence that the appointment of H.E Azucena as the new Ambassador of the Philippines to Samoa will yield more opportunities in promoting cooperation and enhancing relations between the two countries.

Her Excellency Ms. Kira Christianne Danganan Azucena is a career diplomat and has served in various capacities to include, Director for the Central Europe at the Office of European Affairs, Special Assistant to the Secretary General of the National Organizing Committee in 2006. In Cebu, she served as Executive Director of the Office of the UN and other International Organizations, Assistant Secretary of the Office of American Affairs, Chief Coordinator of the Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Chief of Staff of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. She was also on various diplomatic postings including as First Secretary and Consul and Alternate Permanent Representative to the FAO at the Philippines Embassy in Rome and served as the Deputy Consul at the Philippines Consulate General in Hong Kong. She continued her career as Deputy Consul General at the Philippines Consulate in New York and later became Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d’ffaires a.i at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations. H.E Azucena is currently the Ambassador of the Philippines to New Zealand with concurrent accreditation to the Pacific countries including Samoa with residence in Wellington, New Zealand.

END

SOURCE – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Photos by the Government of Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)

March 31, 2025