The Philippines' Ambassador in Britain Enrique Manalo and Philippines' Minister Louis Alferez will be visiting Norwich City Council and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on 9th March to meet with members of the local Filipino community. The aim of the visit to Norwich is to foster closer ties between the Philippines and the UK.

There are an estimated 500 Filipinos living and working in Norwich and Norfolk mostly in the health and care sector providing a valuable services to residents.

Council leader, Brenda Arthur said; "Norwich has a long history of fostering links and welcoming visitors from overseas, recognising the huge contribution they make to the life of the city. For many Filipino's especially far from home, family, education and friendship are important - so we are delighted to greet the ambassador and minister on their visit and extend our friendship and support."

Mr. Jerome Albano, a Staff Nurse on Denton Ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and former President of Pinoy In Norwich - Aksyong Samahan, a Filipino Community Organisation, said: “This will be a memorable event for all Filipino-British Nationals and we are delighted that the Ambassador and Minister will be visiting our hospital for the first time.”

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Chairman David Prior said: “Our strong relationship with the Phillippines goes back over 10 years to 2001 when the first Filipino nurses came to Norwich. They have made an enormous contribution to patient care and we are delighted that so many have chosen to develop their careers with us."

Notes to editors

If you would like to send a reporter/photographer to Norwich City Council please call 01603 212009 or ring 01603 287634 for the Communications Team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.