DFA La Union Celebrates 2nd Anniversary at Manna Mall
LA UNION 11 December 2018 — The Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Office (DFA CO) in La Union celebrated its second anniversary at Manna Mall in San Fernando City on 01 December 2018.
CO La Union’s transfer to Manna Mall was made possible in the year 2016 under the public-private partnership initiated by the La Union Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega, with the aim to provide better consular services to the people of La Union and the Ilocos region.
CO La Union first opened to the public in June 1985.
DFA La Union Officer-In-Charge Estellita V. Casuga welcomed and extended her sincerest appreciation and gratitude to the management and staff of Manna Mall headed by Mr. Joey Tanyao, and to the guests from various partner agencies in Region I for their support and partnership throughout the years.
She also thanked the officers and staff of CO La Union and, most importantly, the officials at the DFA Home Office for their unwavering support to CO La Union.
OIC Casuga’s remarks were followed by a presentation of the front-end of passport and Assistance To Nationals services of her office.
OIC Casuga also read the congratulatory message of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Neil Frank R. Ferrer, who said “CO La Union, in particular has processed over 150,000 passports since its opening at Manna Mall in 2016. This year alone, CO La Union has processed 74,000 passports. This means more Filipinos are given the opportunity to travel abroad for pleasure or for gainful employment to support their families.”
Assistant Secretary Ferrer added, “This could not have been possible without the hard work of the women and men of CO La Union. These achievements are a testament of your dedication to DFA-OCA’s mandate to conduct consular services as well as your commitment to your duties as public servants.”
“With the active pursuit of CO La Union and its cooperative engagements with the local government, the people of La Union and in nearby provinces are assured of effective and efficient consular services,” Assistant Secretary Ferrer concluded.
Vice Governor Aureo Nisce represented Governor Francisco Ortega who extended his congratulations to CO La Union and said, “DFA CO La Union has a unique office set-up and with the innovation in public services that I wish to apply in my administration. They continue to inspire us to be the best that we can to our province of La Union.”
OIC Casuga organized and joined the CO La Union Dance Troupe that presented dance performances of “Lanceros de Tayabas” and “Gaway-Gaway.” Administrative Officer Michael John Angeles rendered the song “Beautiful in My Eyes”.
Consular Assistant Grace M. Banez gave her closing remarks, followed by a lunch buffet and annual Christmas party of the officers and staff of CO La Union. END
The Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Office La Union Dance Troupe: From left- Kim Han Carmelo, Rinsen Caesar Bravo, Genelyn Corrales, Tephanny Madrid, OIC Estellita Casuga, Venia Lee Pacupac, Jonathan Pang-ot and Christian Kevin Gonzales danced the “Lanceros de Tayabas. (CO La Union photo)