MESSAGE

I wish to convey my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the Basic HTML Writing - Web Design and Advance HTML Class offered by the Filipino Resource Center in Dubai under the auspices of the Embassy.

Your class has shown that the Filipino community in the UAE is in step with the latest information technology. You have an indispensable tool and a decided advantage in looking for better employment or for enhancing your present career.

It has been said that information technology, particularly the phenomenal growth in the use of the internet, has democratized communications. For a few cents worth, we could send e-mail to relatives and friends anywhere in the world.

With a website, we could make a new friends, convey information propagate a cause, ask and offer assistance, start and maintain a dialogue with other like-minded individuals, and receive feedback. It is simply a matter of making a website interesting and user-friendly, and progressively updating its content to make it always relevant and useful to your "target customers."

I applaud the launching of your website babalikkarin.com. I see that the website provides information on the OWWA programs and other relevant services, and provides a profile of the Filipino communities in Dubai and Northern Emirates. I hope you could expand it to include more information on Filipino community organizations ad Embassy services. I am in effect offering and likewise challenging you to provide more content and substance to the website.

At the pace information technology is upgraded, the race belongs to the swift and innovative. I am pleased that through the initiative of the Filipino Computer Club of Dubai, the Filipino community is not left behind but rather is in the forefront of the race.

Keep up the good work and Mabuhay!

               Amable R. Aguiluz III
            16 June 2001, Abu Dhabi