Fil-Aussies reacquire Pinoy citizenship

Twenty-four Filipinos in Australia, who had become citizens of the Land Down Under, have re-acquired their Philippine citizenship, an embassy report said yesterday.

The Philippine Embassy in Canberra reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that the 24 Filipino-Australians in Darwin and Alice Springs in

Northern Territory have re-acquired their Philippine citizenship and urged them to actively take part in nation-building.

Philippine Ambassador to Canberra Cristina Ortega said she witnessed the oath of allegiance of the 12 former Australians in Darwin and another 12 in Alice Springs.

"By being dual citizens, you will have the best of both worlds," Ortega said in her remarks following the citizenship reacquisition ceremony.

Embassy records showed there are around 6,000 Philippine-born residents in Darwin and about 300 Filipino families in Alice Springs.

According to Ortega, the Filipino migrants in Darwin and Alice Springs are recognized by state and local officials for being skilled, very organized, and good community leaders.

Employers choose Filipino workers because of good work habits, their ability to adapt to local conditions, and their facility for English language.

She added that the issue of migration is vital to local officials and businesses who have indicated preference for Filipino workers and their desire to understand the recruitment and deployment procedures in the Philippines. – Pia Lee-Brago