

PRESS RELEASE
PH PUSHES GENDER-RESPONSIVE SOLUTIONS IN FIGHT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING, TERROR FINANCING

Ambassador Evangelina A. Bernas, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, urges participants to push for gender-responsive solutions against money laundering at the “Empowering Women Leaders: Mainstreaming Gender Perspectives in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)” workshop organized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at the Vienna International Center on 5 November 2024 (Photo Credit: Ms. Leah Khristine Avinante, UNODC)
Vienna, 5 November 2024 - The Philippines pushed for gender-responsive solutions at an event for women leaders on mainstreaming gender perspectives in the fight against money laundering and terror financing held at the Vienna International Center.
Ambassador Evangelina L. A. Bernas, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, was the keynote speaker to the “Empowering Women Leaders: Mainstreaming Gender Perspectives in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)” workshop organized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The event’s focus was on online scams targeting women.
“Understanding how women and men, girls and boys, are victimized and how they are impacted differently would allow us to design more targeted, effective, and practical solutions to money laundering and terrorist financing,” she stated.
As technology advances, including the rise of deep fakes and cryptocurrency-enabled transactions, Ambassador Bernas called attention to the growing complexity of combating financial crimes.
Highlighting the Philippines' leadership, the Ambassador noted the recently concluded International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) last 28-30 October 2024 hosted by the country. She also pointed out the country’s advancements toward exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list due to significant AML/CFT reforms.
“From developing risk indicators and red flags to sharing best practices of effective prosecution, it is my hope that the results of your discussions will contribute significantly to laws, policies, and procedures of UNODC member states.” she said. END.

Ambassador Evangelina A. Bernas (right), Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, and Ms. Loide Aryee (right), Chief of UNODC's Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch with the participants of the “Empowering Women Leaders: Mainstreaming Gender Perspectives in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CTF)” event organized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at the Vienna International Center on 5 November 2024 (Photo Credit: Ms. Leah Khristine Avinante, UNODC)
PRESS RELEASE
BABAYLAN AUSTRIA CELEBRATES 28 YEARS OF EMPOWERING FILIPINO WOMEN

Officers of Babaylan Austria are presented during the 28th Anniversary Masquerade Ball of Babaylan Austria
02 November 2024. Babaylan Austria celebrated its 28th founding anniversary with a Masquerade Ball at the Marriott Hotel Vienna.
Vice Consul Chryzl Sicat congratulated Babaylan Austria for its decades-long commitment to women empowerment, and for providing assistance to Filipino women in Austria and in the Philippines.
Babaylan President Dorcas Aigner led the officers in presenting the organization’s activities. The Masquerade Ball also served as a showcase of Filipino talent with musical, dance, and singing performances. The night ended with Best Mask and Best Gown awards on the night’s Mardi Gras New Orleans Theme.
Babaylan Austria is dedicated to promoting women's empowerment, assisting women in distressed situations, encouraging women's liberation through organized educational programs, preserving and promoting Philippine traditions and customs among the next generation, and establishing supportive connections with other women's groups in Austria. END.

Mr. Robin Roda performs with the drums during the 28th Anniversary Masquerade Ball of Babaylan Austria.

Babaylan Austria and their families dance during the 28th Anniversary Masquerade Ball of Babaylan Austria.
PRESS RELEASE
GLOBAL SAVE LIFE FOUNDATION (GSLF) MARK HALLOWEEN BY RAISING FUNDS FOR TYPHOON KRISTINE VICTIMS IN PH

Global Save Life Foundation (GSLF) President Elmer Blanco (standing in middle) with GSLF members and Filipino Community. (Photo credits to Mr. Elmer Blanco)
31 October 2024. The Global Save Life Foundation (GSLF) Austria held a Halloween Costume Party in Vienna to raise funds for Typhoon Kristine victims and children with leukemia in the Philippines.
Vice Consul Chryzl Sicat delivered the remarks for the Philippine Embassy and recognized GSLF’s efforts in donating to Filipinos in need due to the recent onslaught of Typhoon Kristine.
GSLF is a charity organization founded by Filipinos in Austria to help Filipinos affected by natural calamities and those with medical conditions in need of financial and medical assistance in the Philippines. GSLF President Elmer Blanco presented the charity activities conducted by GSLF Philippines and thanked the organization’s participants, donors, and benefactors for their continued support. END.

Vice Consul Chryzl Sicat thanked GSLF and recognized its charitable activities in the Philippines

(GSLF members and benefactors photo credits to Mr. Elmer Blanco)
PRESS RELEASE
PH REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERING YOUTH AND CIVIL SOCIETY AT VIENNA EVENT COMMEMORATING THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED NATIONS

The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the youth and civil society at the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) event titled, “The UN Vision: The Role of Youth and Civil Society to Usher in a Peaceful Society,” on 24 October 2024 at the Vienna International Center. Atty. Daryll Migano, attaché, represented the Philippine Mission to the UN in Vienna and spoke at the event, which commemorates the founding of the United Nations. Invited speakers were from the UN Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Vienna City Council, WFWP-New York, ENFiD Austria, and the Civil Society Unit of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

















































