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14 September 2016 – The Undersecretary of the Office for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Ariel Y. Abadilla and Assistant Secretary of the Office of Consular Affairs Frank R. Cimafranca led the formal inauguration of the new office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Regional Consular Office (RCO) – La Union at Manna Mall, City of San Fernando, La Union which was held on September 10.

The program started by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by St. Louis College Chorale, followed by the Welcome Remarks of Assistant Secretary Cimafranca, who expressed his appreciation and gratitude to more than 100 guests who graced the inauguration including Representative of the 1st District of the Province of La Union, Pablo C. Ortega and Governor of the Province of La Union Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III as well as the Officials of the La Union Sky Mall headed by Mr. Joey Tanyao, Ms. Vina Tanyao, Mr. Jason Tanyao, Mr. Conrado Agtani and Mr. Rogelio A. Duclayan.  Others present were the Regional Directors of the various government agencies in Region I, prominent business leaders, and officers from non-government entities.

Assistant Secretary Cimafranca also expressed his thanks “to the local government and people of the City of San Fernando for their role in making the establishment of RCO La Union a reality and in their hospitable hosting of the DFA Regional Consular Office for more than 31 years now.” He added that the RCO La Union was the 4th Regional Consular Office that was established in June 1985 after Cebu, Zamboanga and Davao.  He also said that “the RCO La Union’s new home in Manna Mall would bring efficient and quality service to the public.”

Assistant Secretary Cimafranca also recognized the valuable efforts of the officers and staff of RCO La Union for the transfer of the new office of RCO La Union and in their commitment in rendering efficient and effective service to the public led by its Officer-In-Charge Estellita V. Casuga.

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In the speech of the Province of La Union Governor Francisco Emmanuel Ortega, he initiated the crafting of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Code which the Sangguniang Panlalawigan promptly approved and eventually demonstrated by the relocation of the DFA-RCO La Union to Manna Mall.

Representative of 1st District Pablo C. Ortega also said that “working together under the Public Private Partnership gives a better result. RCO La Union’s transfer in Manna Mall aims to provide a quality of delivery of service to the people San Fernando City and the neighboring towns.”

In response, the Senior Vice-President of Manna Mall, Mr. Rogelio A. Ducluyan, said in his speech, "It is our privilege to assert partnership with you to provide a better service to the public."

Undersecretary Abadila said that “the opening of the RCO La Union in Manna Mall will not only make our office more accessible and convenient but also provides world-class consular services to the residents of the whole La Union and the neighboring provinces.”   Happily, Undersecretary Abadilla officially declared the opening of the RCO La Union at Manna Mall. 

The program was followed by a ribbon-cutting led by Undersecretary Abadilla, Assistant Secretary Cimafranca, Representative Pablo C. Ortega, Governor Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III, Vice Governor Aureo Augusto Q. Nisce, Congressman Vini Nola A. Ortega, Executive Assistant of the DFA’s Office of the Secretary Rene B. Montibon, City Councilors Ramon Laudencia and Maria Rosario Eufrosina P. Nisce as well as Manna Mall’s officials: Mr. Joey Tanyao, Ms. VinaTanyao and Mr. Conrado Agtani.

The inauguration was concluded by a blessing of the new DFA-RCO La Union office at Manna Mall which was presided by Rev. Father Ranier L. Andrada.

The guests enjoyed the Folk dance performances provided by the St. Louis College Samtoy and Libtak High School Dance Troupes, the tour of the facilities of the new RCO Office and the food and drinks served at the reception. END

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