RIYADH: The Philippine embassy in Riyadh recently hosted a Ramadan Iftar for Filipino students studying in the Kingdom. Charge d’Affaires Rommel Romato addressed the students during the gathering, which included embassy personnel and other guests. “You are fortunate to be allowed to learn and gain knowledge in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam. “You have the potential to influence positive changes in our country and beyond. Whatever path you choose, I hope you will carry on with your patience, integrity and humility,” Romato said. He encouraged the students to use their learning experiences and networks to contribute to nation building. The embassy held the iftar and reception in the newly refurbished chancery in late March. Many of the attendees included Filipino college students studying at some of the Kingdom’s top universities. These include Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and King Abdulaziz University. The Ramadan event was an opportunity for the embassy to reconnect with students and introduce the Philippine government’s programs and services for overseas Filipino communities, and outline support for the growing number of the country’s students in Saudi Arabia. During the reception, several students took to the podium to share their experiences of studying in Saudi Arabia, including Mohammad Laisie Enok Ebrahim who studies at a local university. The Philippine embassy has been engaged with Saudi universities to support and enhance the experience of Filipino students and to promote academic collaboration between the nations. Currently more than 170 Filipino students are pursuing higher education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.