Marcos hails Pinoys in India, vows more direct flights

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos on Monday hailed Filipinos in India for presenting “an excellent portrait” of their compatriots “to the rest of the world” by exceling in different fields, including information technology, engineering and marine agriculture.

Marcos voiced his compliment during a meeting with the Filipino community at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi.

There are 1,356 registered Filipinos in India, a number of them married to Indian nationals and are practicing professionals, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“Our community also includes Filipino professionals in diverse fields such as international organizations, the IT industry, engineering,
 marine agriculture, textiles, the academe, think tanks,” he said.

With the President in his five-day state visit to India were First Lady Liza Marcos, several Cabinet officials and Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio.

Marcos’ state visit – from Aug. 4 to 8 – was upon the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Marcos told Filipinos and their families that his administration is bridging and facilitating travel and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Last year, the Philippine embassy in India launched the e-visa, which has greatly eased the visa process, the President said.

“But we did not stop there. We launched the visa-free entry scheme for Indian tourists last June,” he said.

“These will be complemented soon by the recovery of direct flights, led by Air India,” Marcos said.

He said the Philippines is determined to expand the direct flights to other carriers and to link more Philippine and Indian cities.

Despite the absence of a migrant workers office in India, Marcos said the Philippine embassy is “steadfastly” looking after the welfare and rights of Filipinos, with the assistance of honorary consulates general in Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata.

The President’s meeting with the Filipino community came hours before he and the Prime Minister witnessed the signing of several pacts, including a social security agreement, at the Hyderabad House.

PMA cadets

Meanwhile, the Philippine Military Academy has sent four of its cadets to India’s premier military institutions for the first time, to undergo four-year foreign pre-commission training.

Bound for the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune are Cadet 3rd Class Jassan Renzo Mamintal and Cadet 3rd Class Kian Leoj Mago. Their training is covered by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program and will conclude in May 2028.

Cadet 3rd Class Henry Dumangas and Cadet 3rd Class Peter Jim Lagang have been sent to Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, Kerala to pursue Bachelor of Technology until May 2029. — Artemio Dumlao