ALKHOBAR, 2 July 2006 — Consul General Nestor Padalhin has exhorted the Philippine Embassy’s staff not wash their “dirty linen” in public so as not to maintain their credibility.

“Before we can talk unity outside our organization, we must first be united within our organization. It is very important that we are united within the embassy before we can tell other people to unite,” Padalhin said during a recent dialogue with community leaders in Alkhobar.

He was responding to a query about the alleged feud between top officials of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Eastern Region Operations (POLO-ERO), which has divided the community.

Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz and Welfare Officer Danilo Flores, the two officials involved, were both present in the dialogue.

Padalhin had been designated chargé d’affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh pending approval by the Commission on Appointments in Manila of the nomination of Antonio Villamor as ambassador.

Padalhin said he was not aware of the alleged feud of the labor officials but urged them to resolve their differences quietly.

“Let us not wash our dirty linen in public; not here in Saudi Arabia, not anywhere abroad. We must protect the image of our country,” he said.

Members of the community gave a very warm welcome to Padalhin, who was visiting the region for the first time.

Roilo Alojado, overall chairman of All Filipino Community and Sports Commission (Afcscom), his group was all for the official’s call for unity and cooperation.

“I can assure you that Afcscom will fully support you and the embassy projects here in the Eastern Region,” Alojado said.

Afscom and the OFW Congress in the Eastern Region (OFWCEP) headed by Ernie Mapanao spearheaded the celebration of Philippine Independence in the region late last month, bringing in medical groups from different hospitals during a gathering at the Al-Nahda Sports Complex to give free medical and dental check-up to community members.

Physio-therapists were also around to help calm tired and tense OFWs by giving relaxing massage.

While bank representatives gave financial and investment consultations, a basketball exhibition and song performances were rendered by various community groups and individuals.