Israeli envoy leads tree planting to mark 67th year of Israel-PH friendship
Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Flus led the tree planting activity to mark the 67th Israel - Philippines Friendship Day at San Francisco High School in Quezon City on Friday, August 9.
A total of 67 trees were planted symbolizing the years of strong friendship ties between Israel and the Philippines.
Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Flus during his speech at San francisco High School (Allysa Nievera)
“We plant 67 trees, each representing a year of unwavering friendship between Israel and the Philippines. These trees are not just symbols; they are promises. Promises of a future where our relationship continues to grow and flourish, providing shade, beauty, and life for generations to come,” Ambassador Flus said.
Ambassador Flus, Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Esty Buzgan, San Francisco High School Principal Dr. Marissa Lou Rodriguez during the tree planting activity (Allysa Nievera)
Ambassador Flus was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Esty Buzgan, San Francisco High School Principal Dr. Marissa Lou Rodriguez, and representatives from the Quezon city government.
Four of the trees planted were dedicated and named after Angelyn Aguirre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera, and Paul Castelvi, the oversees Filipino caregivers who were murdered by Hamas last year.
The dedicated planted trees for the oversees Filipino caregivers who were murdered by Hamas last year.(Allysa Nievera)
Flus also shared that they are grateful for the opportunity to hold an activity to help the environment.
“This initiative not only symbolizes our thriving friendship but also our shared commitment to environmental sustainability, climate change, and community development,” he said.
“I thank the Quezon City government for celebrating this special day with us,” he added.
Molave and other fruit bearing trees were planted in the school's grounds such as santol and avocado.
After the tree-planting activity, the embassy prepared a “boodle fight” of Israeli and Filipino food and shared it with the participants.
(Allysa Nievera)
The diplomatic relationship between Israel and the Philippines was established on August 9, 1957.