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N° 20 – December 2012

Message of support for the victims of typhoon Pablo The Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Christian Meerschman, extends his deepest sympathy to the relatives of the more than 700 people killed by typhoon Pablo and to the more than 780,000 people affected by the typhoon who were forced to seek refuge in evacuation shelters in many parts of Mindanao. Earlier, the European Union Delegation to the Philippines also expressed its condolences to the families of casualties of typhoon Pablo. EU-Ambassador Guy Ledoux expressed his solidarity with the Filipino people and reaffirmed the European Union's long term commitment to provide humanitarian aid to the families affected by both natural and man-made disasters worldwide when necessary. In the mean time, the EU countries have decided to make 3 million Euros available for emergency assistance to the victims of typhoon Pablo.

Picture © pagasa.dost.gov.ph

Celebration: 10 years of Umicore Specialty Chemicals in Subic Bay

One of the employees of Umicore in Subic Bay is presented with an award for safe work performance by

Mr Drik Uytdewilligen of Umicore Belgium

H.E Ambassador Meerschman and Mr Tony Wong, General Manager, posing with some of the employees of the

Umicore plant in Subic Bay Pictures © 2012 Tony Wong / Jozef Naudts

On November 10, an anniversary event was held for the 10th anniversary of Umicore Specialty Chemicals Subic (USCS). The plant in Subic Bay belongs to the Belgian materials technology group Umicore and produces a variety of tailor-made NiCO3 specialties mainly for the catalyst and pigment industry. USCS also produces nickel oxide for the ceramic and glass industry and nickel sulphamate for the plating industry. By having a dedicated but flexible process and workforce, the plant can respond quickly and efficiently to ever changing market conditions. Workers in the Umicore plant in Subic Bay set a new safety record also by working more than 1.000 days without a single work-related accident.

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Celebration in Baguio: 150 years of CICM / Missionaries of Scheut

This year, the CICM Fathers, better known in Belgium as the “Missionaries of Scheut”, celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the foundation of their congregation. On 28 November 1862, the Belgian Priest Theophiel Verbist founded the CICM (Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae) or the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, with the plan to set up mission stations in order to help the needy street children and orphans in China. Father Verbist and his first group of followers set out for their mission in August 1865. Less than three years later, on February 23, 1868, the Founder of CICM died in Inner Mongolia. On hearing of his death, Pope Pius IX said, "the man may die, but God will not allow his work to disappear."

Under the motto,“Cor unum et anima una” (“One Heart and One Soul”), more than 1.000 CICM

Missionaries are currently working in 28 countries throughout Africa, Asia, North and South America, and

Europe. Since 1907, the CICM Missionaries are working here in the Philippines, especially in the provinces of

Northern Luzon

To mark the end of the celebrations for 150 years of CICM / Missionaries of Scheut, on November 30, an

Eucharistic Celebration was held at the Baguio Cathedral, followed by a closing program at Saint Louis

University. On this occasion, a coffee book on the rich history of 150 years of CICM was presented to the

public. Students from the Centers for Culture and the Arts of the different CICM schools –Saint Mary’s

University Bayombong, Saint Louis College Cebu, Saint Louis College La Union and Saint Louis University in

Baguio City performed also in a fabulous cultural show with the theme “Mission Beyond Borders”. The

closing ceremony was attended by local officials, a representative from the Belgian Embassy and by CICM

fathers from many different countries across the world.

Some impressions of the Eucharistic Celebration and Cultural Program during the closing ceremony of the celebrations

for 150 years of CICM, Baguio, November 30, 2012 Pictures © 2012 Wilfired Vanhoutte / Jozef Naudts

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Friendship for the Philippines in Padada and Davao City, Davao del Sur

H.E. Ambassador Christian Meerschman and Mr Dominiek Segaert visiting the projects in Padada municipality,

Davao del Sur, August 15, 2012 Pictures © 2012 Dominiek Segaert

Last August 15, the Belgian Ambassador, H.E. Christian Meerschman, visited the Belgian NGO project “Friendship for the Philippines” on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Mr. Dominiek & Leah Segaert-Gallego, based in Knokke-Heist and every summer two months in Padada and Davao City in Davao del Sur, started the project with a group of 15 volunteers of Knokke-Heist to support the street children home Balay Pasilungan at Bankerohan in Davao City and Saint Michael’s School of Padada. On September 23, Friendship for the Philippines/Vriendschap voor de Filippijnen organised on the occasion of its 10 years’ anniversary an academic session at the Cultural Centre in Knokke-Heist and a barbecue with fundraising and cultural Philippine program “It”s more fun in the Philippines”. During the activity, a filmed message by the Belgian Ambassador and an impression with updates of the project was shown for almost 300 participants. The project started in school year 2002-2003, year that high school teacher Mr. Dominiek Segaert, worked as a voluntary teacher at Saint Michael’s School of Padada at the High School Department for the subjects Philippine History (!), English and philosophy. During that time he and his wife, backed by a small starting group in Knokke-Heist, started the idea for supporting the school and street youth foundation in upgrading the facilities (school: black boards, furniture, school supplies, computers, covered court, library, books and a scholarship program for the poorest but motivated students; street youth home: installing new toilets, showers, learning rooms, upgrading sleeping rooms, building of a professional bakery, hobby rooms). The Ambassador was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the teachers and principal of Saint Michael’s School of Padada, Sister Elnora Taparan, who thanked Friendship for the Philippines for the support the last 10 years. Also Brother George Kemmet, Marianis, originally from the United States, and currently director of Balay Pasilungan, lauded the support. A cultural program for Ambassador Meerschman and Mr. & Mrs. Segaert was given as a sign of appreciation by the street youth who have a safe shelter, go to school every

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day and get warmth and support in providing meals four times a day, organising activities and providing them also with tools for helping them to work when they are older. For the 10 years of ‘carrying’ this project, Mr. Dominiek Segaert was honored during a lunch meeting with a delegation of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Besides staff of the Belgian Embassy, John Ablaza, a famous fashion designer and founder of the Rizal Travelling Museum (in June during 1 week in Belgium at the Philippine Embassy), was among the guests as well as actor Giovani Vicente, who played the role of the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal in the movie “Rizal the first hero” that came into premiere in Belgium. Friendship for the Philippines is supported by some schools in Knokke-Heist and Brugge and some chapters of the service clubs Lions, Kiwanis, Soroptimist and Knights of Rizal. They want to support further in developing school facilities in some other small schools in remote areas in Davao del Sur and in further assisting Balay Pasilungan. More news and a short history of Friendship for the Philippines on www.vvfilippijnen.be.

Belgian philanthropist distributes wheelchairs to indigents Patrick Haghedooren, a Belgian philanthropist, distributed 140 wheelchairs to disabled indigent Southern Leyteños. Haghedooren and his Filipina wife Sandra had obtained the wheelchairs from various homes for the aged in Belgium, mostly from Arseus in Waregem and Bond Moyson in Kortrijk and from Verzekeringen Steyaert of Ieper, Sampli of Horebeke, De Plataan in Izegem and Bernard Vanbecelaere of Rumbeke. The couple started their charity work in Cainta, Rizal, collecting wheelchairs and distributing them through the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan. However since there is no such organization in Southern Leyte the couple who are temporarily residing at Buscayan, Macrohon, decided to continue their project here. “We want to help the poor disabled people here so they can have a better life,” Haghedooren told the Southern Leyte Times. They brought the wheelchairs here by a 40-foot container truck from Cebu with the assistance of Governor Damian Mercado, Macrohon Mayor Fe Edillo, Mayor Ricardo Borces of Padre Burgos, Limasawa Mayor Melchor Petracorta, the Vocationist Sisters of Ichon, Macrohon and Brenda Laguns and the Provincial Director of DSWD, whom the couple are very grateful to. The wheelchairs arrived here last February 18. The Haghedoorens will be coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in distributing the first batch of wheelchairs to disabled residents of Macrohon, Padre Burgos and Maasin City. They are expecting the second batch of wheelchairs to arrive here later this year and would also donate beds to local hospitals in the province in the near future (© Angelyn Book, Southern Leyte News).

Tha Mayor of Malitbog together with Mr Patrcik

Haghedooren Distribution of wheelchairs to the old and the disabled

Pictures © 2012 Patrick Haghedooren

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Belgian Embassy participates in International Bazaar

Mrs Gretchen del Rosario, the wife of Secretary of

Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario, visiting the Belgian booth during the International Bazaar

Pictures © 2012 Jozef Naudts

As every year, the Belgian Embassy was represented during the International Bazaar organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Spouses Heads of Mission (an organization bringing together the spouses of the Ambassadors residing in Manila) on November 18. The proceeds of this annual International Bazaar benefit different charities. Many people visited the Belgian booth, where they could buy Belgian chocolates and biscuits from La

Bonbonnière (made from Belgian chocolate imported by Puratos), watches from Ice Watch (Wallonia), Belgian beers from Booze-on-Line, educational tools by Tahanang Walang Hagdanan and traditional Belgian lace-works made in a project run by the ICM Sisters.

Dutch Club and Belgian Filipino Business Club welcome Sinterklaas to Manila

Visit of Sinterklaas to the Residence of the Belgian Ambassador, November 24, 2012

Pictures © 2012 Dutch Club Manila

On Saturday, November 24, Sinterklaas found some time on his busy schedule to visit Manila. In order to welcome the Holy Man, the Dutch Club Manila and the Belgian Filipino Business Club joined forces for organizing a big Children’s Party in the Residence of the Belgian Ambassador. More than 75 kids attended. Since all children had been good during the past year, each one of them received a gift from Sinterklaas . For more details on upcoming activities of the Belgian Filipino Business Club or for membership

enquiries, please contact: BFBCMANILA@gmail.com

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Consular news for Belgian citizens (in Dutch/French)

Wijziging van het Wetboek van de Belgische Nationaliteit De wetgeving betreffende de Belgische nationaliteit is gebaseerd op het “jus-sanguinis” principe. De Belgische nationaliteit wordt beheerst door dit principe dat er in bestaat de nationaliteit van de ouders bij de geboorte aan de kinderen door te geven ongeacht in welk land ze geboren worden. Aan dit basisprincipe verandert niets. In de Commissie Justitie werd wel het wetsvoorstel tot wijziging van het Wetboek van de Belgische Nationaliteit goedgekeurd voor wat betreft het verkrijgen van de Belgische nationaliteit door een vreemdeling. Het doel is de verkrijging van de Belgische nationaliteit "migratieneutraal" te maken. Hiermee bedoelt men dat de Belgische nationaliteit pas verworven kan worden op het moment dat de verblijfsstatus van de betrokkene op het grondgebied is gestabiliseerd.

Voortaan kunnen alleen de personen die gemachtigd zijn om zich definitief in België te vestigen, een verklaring afleggen of een aanvraag indienen tot het verkrijgen van de Belgische nationaliteit. Met de voorwaarde van een onbeperkt verblijf, die vereist is op het ogenblik van het onderschrijven van de verklaring of de aanvraag, wil men juist vermijden dat een tijdelijk verblijfsrecht zou kunnen worden omgezet in een onbeperkt verblijfsrecht door middel van een nationaliteitsverkrijging.

Picture © fmhvibe.co.uk

Het goedgekeurde wetsvoorstel bevat daarom volgende krachtlijnen:

• Het begrip wettelijk verblijf van onbeperkte duur: Om evidente redenen van goed bestuur en rechtszekerheid, legt het huidig wetsvoorstel de vreemdeling de verplichting op meteen wettig in België te verblijven en er zijn hoofdverblijfplaats te hebben ingeschreven, en dit zowel op het ogenblik van zijn verklaring als voor de periode die deze verklaring voorafgaan.

• Afschaffing gelijkgestelde periodes buitenland (“werkelijke band”): Aan degene die bewijst dat hij echte banden met België heeft behouden of verworven, stond het begrip “werkelijke band” toe dat zijn verblijf in het buitenland wordt gelijkgesteld met een verblijf in België. De gelijkstelling van periodes in het buitenland omwille van vermeende “werkelijke band”, wordt afgeschaft.

• Integratiecriteria: Dit wetsvoorstel voert integratiecriteria in voor alle procedures van

nationaliteitsverkrijging (= nationaliteitsverklaring, nationaliteitskeuze, nationaliteit door het huwelijk en naturalisatie). Deze criteria zullen bestaan uit het volgen van een inburgeringcursus, kennis van de landstaal van de hoofdverblijfplaats (via SELOR-attest), en een verklaring waarin staat dat men de democratische rechtstaat en de fundamentele grondrechten zal respecteren.

• Verstrenging procedures verkrijging Belgische nationaliteit: Op algemene wijze worden de termijnen opgetrokken. Termijnen van 3 jaar, worden op 5 jaar gebracht. Termijnen van 7 jaar, worden op 10 jaar gebracht.

• Verlies van de Belgische nationaliteit bij het plegen van ernstige misdrijven of schijnhuwelijken: Het huidig wetsvoorstel voorziet vervallenverklaring voor personen die veroordeeld werden tot een vrijheidsstraf van minstens vijf jaar zonder uitstel, op meer algemene wijze, voor misdrijven waarvan het plegen werd vergemakkelijkt door het bezit van de Belgische nationaliteit. Een andere belangrijke wijziging is deze welke erin bestaat een vreemdeling van zijn Belgische nationaliteit vervallen te verklaren indien hij de Belgische nationaliteit heeft verkregen op grond van een schijnhuwelijk.

Voor de volledige tekst van het goedgekeurde wetsvoorstel: www.lexalert.net/uploads/documentenbank/4a5b893197ac56cf66ebf5e22f055cf3.pdf

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Modifications du Code de la nationalité belge La législation relative à la nationalité belge est basée sur le principe du "jus sanguinis"; la nationalité belge est principalement régie par le droit du sang qui consiste à donner aux enfants, à la naissance, la nationalité de leurs parents, quel que soit le pays où ils naissent. Rien ne change à ce principe de base. La proposition de loi modifiant le Code de la nationalité belge, en ce qui concerne l’obtention de celle-ci par des étrangers, a été adoptée par la Commission Justice du Parlement.

© lesoir.be

Son but est de rendre l'acquisition de la nationalité belge neutre du point de vue de l'immigration. A cette fin, un étranger ne pourra prétendre à l’obtention de la nationalité belge qu’à partir du moment où il jouit d’un statut de séjour stable sur le territoire. Dorénavant, seules les personnes autorisées à s’établir définitivement en Belgique, peuvent introduire une déclaration ou une demande visant à obtenir la nationalité belge. La condition du séjour illimité, imposée au moment de la souscription de la déclaration ou de la demande, vise précisément à éviter qu’un droit de séjour temporaire puisse être converti en droit de séjour illimité par le biais de l’acquisition de la nationalité.

La proposition de loi approuvée s’appuie dès lors sur les lignes de force suivantes :

• La notion de séjour légal à durée illimitée: Pour des motifs évidents de bonne administration et de sécurité juridique, la présente proposition de loi impose à l’étranger d’être immédiatement en séjour légal en Belgique et d’y avoir enregistré sa résidence principale et ce, tant au moment de sa déclaration que pour la période qui précède cette déclaration.

• Suppression des périodes assimilées passées à l’étranger (“attaches véritables”): La notion d’

“attaches véritables” permettait à celui qui prouve avoir conservé ou acquis des attaches véritables avec la Belgique que sa résidence à l’étranger soit assimilée à sa résidence en Belgique. En l’espèce aussi, l’assimilation des périodes de résidence à l’étranger justifiée par de supposées “attaches véritables” est abrogée.

• Critères d’intégration:La présente proposition de loi instaure dès lors des critères d’intégration

pour toutes les procédures d’acquisition de la nationalité (= déclaration de nationalité, acquisition par option, acquisition par le mariage et naturalisation).Ces critères consisteront en la fréquentation d’un cours d’intégration, en la connaissance de la langue nationale de la résidence principale (par le biais d’une attestation du SELOR) et en une déclaration par laquelle on s’engage à respecter l’État de droit démocratique et des droits fondamentaux.

• Renforcement des procédures en vue d’obtenir la nationalité belge: D’une manière générale, les

délais sont prolongés. Les délais de 3 ans sont portés à 5 ans. Les délais de 7 ans sont portés à 10 ans.

• Perte de la nationalité belge à la suite d'infractions graves ou de mariages de complaisance: À cet

égard, la présente proposition de loi vise à étendre la déchéance aux personnes qui ont été condamnées à une peine d’emprisonnement d’au moins cinq ans sans sursis, d’une manière plus générale, pour des infractions qui ont été facilitées par la possession de la nationalité belge. Une autre modification importante consiste à déchoir un étranger de sa nationalité belge s’il l’a acquise par le biais d’un mariage de complaisance.

Consultez le texte intégral de la proposition de loi: www.lexalert.net/uploads/documentenbank/4a5b893197ac56cf66ebf5e22f055cf3.pdf

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The Belgian Embassy in Manila sends you its Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2013!

And last but not least

Feel free to make contributions to our next edition by writing to jozef.naudts@diplobel.fed.be

Christian MEERSCHMAN Jan VERBEECK Jozef NAUDTS Ambassador Consul First Secretary