PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

Philippine Ambassador Joins the Australian-Filipino Community Services and Elderly Filipinos in Raising Awareness on Dementia

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega joins AFCS, Dementia Society Philippines and participants of the virtual Pinoy Food Trip: Tastes to Remember on 22 September 2021.

24 September 2021 – Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega joined the Australian Filipino Community Service (AFCS) in its celebration of Dementia Awareness Month on 22 September 2021, through a virtual forum called Pinoy Food Trip: Tastes to Remember Philippines.

Dr. Bong Sanosa and Dr. Carla Cuadro of Dementia Society Philippines shared developments in the Philippines on caring for persons with dementia and answered health questions from participants.

Ms. Marie Norman of Dementia Australia introduced the “Ask Annie” app, a mobile education application that helps families and care givers provide better support to people living with dementia.

In her remarks, Ambassador De La Vega expressed appreciation for the work of AFCS in supporting elderly Filipinos especially during the pandemic. She said the event is timely as the Philippines will also celebrate the Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino (Filipino Elderly Week) in the first week of October. She committed to support the annual celebration of Dementia Awareness Month with AFCS noting the importance of removing the stigma often associated with dementia. END

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega joins AFCS, Dementia Society Philippines and participants of the virtual Pinoy Food Trip: Tastes to Remember on 22 September 2021. Participants shared their happy memories of Filipino food from their childhood and enjoyed Filipino meals delivered by ACFS for this event.