Visit of French Ambassador Marie Fontanel to Cebu (February 29 to March 1, 2024) [fr]
Ambassador Marie Fontanel visited Cebu for a series of engagements in the city, including the inauguration of a new visa application center for France and the opening night of the French Film Festival.
During the visit, the Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Alain Fontanel, Economic Counsellor; Mr. Michael Lhuillier, Honorary Consul in Cebu; Mr. Gauthier Carol, Director of Alliance Française de Cebu; Mr. Arnaud Inizan, Deputy Head of the Visa Service; Mr. Adam Folleas, University Attaché; and Mr. Martin Macalintal, Cultural and Audiovisual Attaché.
Ambassador Fontanel attended the grand opening of the Decathlon store in SM City Cebu, in the presence of Decathlon CEO Mr. Hans Iff and Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia. The Ambassador also visited French company VISEO, which employs 170 Filipinos in the digital sector for various French brands.
During the opening night of the French Film Festival in Cebu, the Ambassador met with representatives from partners of the Alliance Française in Cebu, the Arts Council of Cebu, and honorary consuls.
The Ambassador visited Cebu Doctors University and University of the Philippines Cebu. She also visited the Lapu-Lapu City Jail, where French NGO Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y) had opened a center dedicated to supporting young prisoners to train and develop professional skills.