Federal Minister Rudolf Hundstorfer, Austrian Federal Minister for Labor, Social Affairs 

 and Consumer Protection addressing the nurses and guests during the Dinner Reception hosted by the Philippine Nurses Association Austria (PNAA) at Marriott Vienna Hotel on 03 December2011.

Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre and Mr. Rudolf Hundstorfer, Austrian Federal Minister for Labor, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, were the special guests at the 10^th Anniversary of the Philippine Nurses Association Austria (PNAA), 03 December 2011, Marriott Vienna Hotel.

In his remarks, Federal Minister Hundstorfer thanked the Filipino nurses in Austria for their very important contribution to the healthcare system of Austria, which was one of the criteria in the 2011 Quality of Living survey set by the global consulting firm Mercer in choosing the City of Vienna for three consecutive years as the best place to live in the world.

H.E. Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre giving her inspirational message during

the 10th Year Anniversary of the Philippine Nurses Association Austria (PNAA) at Marriott Vienna Hotel on 3 Dec 2011.

Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre also gave her inspirational message to the Filipino nurses and to the members of the Filipino community: “We join the PNAA in this joyous occasion because we all love nurses. With your reputation for hardwork, high skills and dedication, you helped open the gates for other nurses from the Philippines to come to Austria. Under a bilateral agreement, Filipino nurses came to Austria, first in trickle, then in groups. In virtually every corner of this country, there is nothing but praise for Filipino nurses. And many Austrians who have never heard of the Philippines learn about us through the most positive examples – you! Our nurses overseas are truly some of the best ambassadors of the Filipino people.”

Ambassador Yparraguirre likewise highlighted the Recognition awarded by the City of Vienna to Filipino and Filipino-Austrian nurses and caregivers for their long years of dedicated services to the health sector of Austria.

Amb. Yparraguirre with Federal Minister Rudolf Hundstorfer and spouse, Cultural Attache Toni Bosa and the officers of PNAA.

To conclude her message, Amb. Yparraguirre delivered an investment and tourism promotion pitch. Specifically she mentioned the ten (10) UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines, which includes the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Parks in Palawan, the Palawan Underground River National Park, and the Banawe Rice Terraces, among others, as well as the colorful fiestas and festivals all across the country. She encouraged the Filipino community in Austria to invite their Austrian friends to visit the Philippines. She further said: “I know we have a lot to do to put the Philippines in the radar screens of our Austrian friends. We may not have the resources or money to advertise the Philippines, but we have an important asset that other countries do not have. And, that asset is the 30,000 strong Filipino-Austrian community. By being outstanding citizens, by your hard work and excellence in your respective professions, by your talents as artists, your warm friendship and your smiles, you can promote the Philippines”.

Mr. Jed Cyrus Yparraguirre and Ms. Phoebe Engel serenaded the guests with Filipino

and English Christmas Songs.

Ambassador Yparraguirre joined in the Tinikling Dance.