DFA Convenes Regional Consultation Meeting for PH Honorary Consuls in Europe

DFA resource speakers and PH Honorary Consular Officers in the European Region engage in the first web-based regional consultation meeting. (DFA-OPCD and DFA-HRMO-HCSAD photos)

PASAY CITY, 24 March 2023 – The DFA successfully convened a virtual Regional Consultation Meeting (RCM) for Philippine honorary consular officers from the European region on 24 March 2023.

With the theme “Philippine Honorary Consuls: First Responders at a time of Global Challenges,” the conference highlighted the critical role of honorary consular officers amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing global environment, as vital cogs in the advancement of Philippine foreign policy.

The Philippines has 63 offices headed by honorary consuls in Europe, which represent 41% of the Department’s global network of honorary consular officers. Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo delivered a keynote address recognizing the valuable contribution of Philippine honorary consular officers, and expressing appreciation for their tireless efforts in promoting Philippine interests in their respective consular jurisdictions.

The conference provided a unique platform to update the honorary consular officers on developments involving the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy, namely: economic diplomacy, consular services, and assistance to nationals. The conference also touched on political and financial reporting, public diplomacy, as well as administrative compliance of documentary requirements submitted to the Department by PH honorary consular officers, through the respective supervising posts.

The honorary consuls provided useful insights and perspectives on the current and emerging realities they face on matters relating to their functions, particularly on issues relating to the delivery of consular and assistance to nationals services.

The conference was highlighted by the active participation of the Heads of Posts (HOPs) in Europe. A meaningful exchange of ideas and best practices on a variety of issues concerning the roles of Philippine Foreign Service Posts and their honorary consular officers was brought to the fore during the open forum.

The conference is the second of the three (3) regional consultation meetings that are slated to be conducted by the Department for its network of Philippine honorary consular officers this year. The first virtual regional consultation among Philippine honorary consular officers in the Middle Eastern and African regions was held on 24 November 2022. The third regional conference among honorary consular officers in the American, Asian and Pacific regions is scheduled in the fourth quarter of this year. END