In celebration of the holy month of Ramadan, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh hosted an Iftar (breaking of the fast) and student reception at the Embassy’s newly refurbished Chancery last 30 March 2023.
The Iftar reception was attended by Filipino college students from leading Saudi universities including Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, and King Abdulaziz University, and Embassy personnel.
The Ramadan event allowed the Embassy to reconnect with students and introduce salient programs and services of the Philippine government to the overseas Filipino communities, including the growing number of Filipino students in Saudi Arabia.
In his remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Rommel Romato encouraged the students to use their learning experiences and network to contribute to nation-building. “You are fortunate to be given the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam. You have the potential to influence positive changes in our country and beyond. Whatever path you choose, I hope you will carry on with your patience, integrity and humility,” Romato said.
The program also included a sharing of experiences of a Filipino student in Saudi Arabia by Mr. Mohammad Laisie Enok Ebrahim.
The Philippine Embassy is actively engaging Saudi universities to support and enhance the experience of Filipino students and to promote academic collaborations between Philippine and Saudi universities. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims, among others, to have at least five Saudi universities joining the top global universities while helping students achieve excellence in various academic fields.
As of 2023, more than 170 Filipino students are pursuing higher education as scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
