By Benjie de Ubago

H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Philippine Ambassador to Australia

We’ve seen diplomats come – and we’ve watched them go.  We worked with them on projects, got attached and before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye. It would seem that it was only yesterday that H.E. Ma. Hellen B, De La Vega, took over her post as Philippine Ambassador in Canberra. And here we were, six years after, a little teary eyed, saying our byesie-byes.

No doubt, Ambassador De La Vega’s memory will forever be etched in our hearts. Her smile and happy disposition was contagious. She encouraged – she pushed  – she inspired! The formation of the UST Alumni Association is to her credit. Despite her hectic schedule, she always found time to meet up or zoom in for advice and give suggestions to her fellow-Thomasians. And when the lights dimmed, she proved she was one of them and she performed with the group for the sake of her alma mater!

An advocate of education and people to people skills, she was a big supporter of the Alumni Extravaganza annual event and believed that our graduates are equal in skills and experience to those here in Oz. Australia was now beginning to recognize our skills and talents.  Despite all the politicking in the community, she managed to keep egos at bay and encouraged community unity and harmony.

Thomasians with Ambassador De La Vega (3rd from left) at the 2024 Alumni event.

Vangie Leones, Benjie de Ubago and Marilie Bomediano presenting the USTAA farewell present to Ambassador De La Vega.

Ambassador De  La Vega surely leaves her mark as one hard working ambassador. From women to environment, from energy to maritime, from tourism to trade, to cyber security, technology and Ai, she explored opportunities and was resolute in her goal in advancing the cause of the Filipino.  She fostered International cooperation and built enduring relations for the Philippines. She became the Dean of the women heads of states and the Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corp in anberra.

She travelled from State to State; plied the highway, Canberra-Sydney-Canberra, if only to be part of the Filipino community events, She was motivated not out of duty but out of genuine interest in advancing the interests of the Filipino.  This year, she was tasked with the two State visits of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

At the community farewell organised by the Philippine Community Council (PCC-NSW) she said: “I was destined to be sent to Australia. You have always been my lens. Through you, I see what the community needs. I live by the 10 commandments and the seven beatitudes.”

And she closed with: “I am filled with utmost gratitude, pride and optimism. It’s not good-bye…see you around,”

And just like that, with the audience clamouring for a song, she stepped on to the stage, obliged and performed ‘Dancing Queen’ just one more time, much to everyone’s delight. She will be missed.

30 November 2024