French envoy visits Capitol

CEBU, Philippines - To further strengthen the political and economic ties of the Philippines and France, newly appointed French ambassador to the Philippines Thierry Borja de Mozota yesterday visited the Cebu Provincial Capitol to have a courtesy call with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Borja de Mozota arrived at the governor’s office at around 2 p.m. for a visit that is expected to strengthen the ties between his country and the Province of Cebu in terms of economic and social concerns.

When interviewed by the reporters, the ambassador said they are planning to put up a French school in Cebu which they will discuss with the provincial government.

Cebu is known as home to the second-largest French community in the country where some 250 French nationals are settled.

Meanwhile, Borja de Mozota expressed confidence that they are secured in Cebu despite reports on terrorism and abduction of foreign nationals in other parts of the country.

Garcia assured the ambassador that they have nothing to worry about their security in Cebu because the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), which she chairs, has recently been awarded as the best council in the country in 2008 for its exemplary performance and service delivery.

Garcia told Borja de Mozota that it is vital for concerned agencies to be working with each other to have peace and security. — Johanna Natavio/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)