Gards Coffee Shop and Lactation Room Launched at Office of Consular Affairs

(Photo courtesy of DFA – OPCD Jeffrey Mendoza)

MANILA 08 September 2023 – The Office of Consular Affairs (OCA), in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs Multi-Purpose Cooperative, held a ceremonial ribbon cutting for the opening of its first in-house coffee shop on 31 August 2023. 

The Gards Coffee shop which is located at the ground floor of the Office of Consular Affairs offers a variety of beverages and pastries that proudly features locally sourced coffee beans. It is open from 7 AM to 5 PM to cater to both consular applicants and its employees. 

On the same day, OCA with its Gender and Development Focal Point System relaunched the Lactation Room in time for the celebration of the Breastfeeding Awareness Month this August. The newly renovated lactation room located at the second floor of the building includes a reclining chair for mothers, diaper changing bed, and small play area for children which may be accessed by applicants and employees. 

These initiatives are in line with the Department's commitment to provide quality service to the public by making its facilities inclusive, accessible, and gender-responsive for the clients and personnel with specific needs.

The event was led by Assistant Secretary Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. and attended by Undersecretary for Administration Antonio A. Morales, Undersecretary for Civilian and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo, Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo Jose A. De Vega and other officers from the Department. END

(Photo courtesy of DFA – OCA Joshua Vilanueva)