DFA Opens Consular Office in Pagadian City
Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co (center) and DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo led the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly-opened Consular Office in Pagadian.
PAGADIAN CITY 23 June 2023 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership with the Local Government of Pagadian, formally opened its Consular Office (CO) in Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur on 20 June 2023. DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo and Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co led the inauguration of the CO on the eve of the 54th Charter Anniversary of the city.
The program also included the signing ceremony of the MOA between the DFA and the Local Government of Pagadian on the establishment of CO Pagadian. The MOA signing was witnessed by DFA Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) Assistant Secretary Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. and Pagadian City Vice Mayor Baldomero Fernandez.
Other attendees included DFA OCA Passport Director Winston Dean S. Almeda, DFA OCA Consular Offices Coordinating Division Acting Director Regina Angeli P. Ambrocio, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region IX Director Phlorida A. Ridao, Regional Directors from national government agencies, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and other members of the local government.
In his remarks, Undersecretary Domingo emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership among the local and national government, citing the example of the DFA and the City Government of Pagadian. He, likewise, highlighted the strategic location of the CO Pagadian, being at the heart of Zamboanga Del Sur, which allows greater access to consular services for clients within the province and other nearby localities.
Closing the ceremony, Assistant Secretary Bensurto led CO Pagadian personnel in reciting the OCA Pledge of Conduct, declaring their commitment to serving the public with excellence, diligence, efficiency and fairness.
Following the program, CO Pagadian accommodated the passport applications of 30 walk-in clients.
CO Pagadian is now open to offer its consular services to the public from 9:00 AM to 04:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays, at the 2/F, C3 Mall, Rizal Avenue, Santiago Dist., Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur. END
(left to right) Assistant Secretary Bensurto, Vice Mayor Fernandez, Undersecretary Domingo, and Mayor Co pose for a photo after the signing ceremony.
Assistant Secretary Bensurto leads the Pledge of Conduct for CO Pagadian Personnel.