As Philippines-New Zealand cooperation broadens in various fields, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez welcomed officials from the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management, namely, Executive Director Rosa Maria M. Clemente, Ms. Flerida G. Arias, Mr. Sixto V. Antonio, Jr., Ms. Mary Jane T. Dacumos, Atty. Vhincent Cañares, Mr. Jaime M. Navarrete, Jr., Mr. Neoldino C. Bañaga, Mr. Stephanny L. Belmonte and Mr. Mervin Ian D. Tanquitic who participated in a study tour conducted by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through the Government Procurement Office on 22-28 March 2015. They were able to get a closer look into and first-hand experience on the best practices of New Zealand’s centrally led procurement services.

Col. Connor Anthony D. Canlas, Non-Resident Assistant Defense Attaché to New Zealand made his introductory calls to the officials of the New Zealand Defence Force on 24-25 March 2015. During his meeting with Ambassador Benavidez, they discussed the growing defence cooperation between the Philippines and New Zealand.

Ambassador Benavidez hosted a fellowship dinner for the Philippine officials at “Ang Bahay” (Philippine Ambassador’s residence) on 23 March 2015. Also present were the Philippine Embassy’s Minister and Consul General Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa, Vice-Consul Glenn Joseph Obach, Finance Officer Divina Cruz and Property Officer Monette Garcia. It was a lively and interactive evening as the guests talked about the knowledge, benefits and networking gained from their visits and the strengthening of partnership and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and New Zealand.