DFA Holds Regional Consultation Meeting with PH Honorary Consuls from the Americas and Asia-Pacific Region

PASAY 14 December 2023 – The DFA successfully convened a virtual Regional Consultation Meeting (RCM) among Philippine honorary consular officers from the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region on 07 December 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.

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo delivered the 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, particularly in the areas of economic diplomacy, consular services, assistance to nationals, and political and financial reporting.

The resource speakers in the RCM included: Assistant Secretary Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga and Assistant Secretary Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau (Political Reporting), Assistant Secretary Arvin R. De Leon (Public and Cultural Diplomacy), Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary and Executive Director Bernadette Mendoza (ATN Issues and Policies), Director Val Simon T. Roque and Legal Officer Jamille R. San Jose (Consular Updates & Notarial Functions), Vice Chairperson Robert D. Quintin (Overseas Voting), Acting Director Andrea Christina Q. Caymo-Kauhanen (Economic Diplomacy Work at DFA), Acting Director Ronald M. Joves (Administrative Reminders); and Accounts Reviewer Lourdes Francis M. Morallos (Financial Reporting).

The Honorary Consuls provided useful insights and perspectives on the current and emerging realities they face on matters relating to their functions, as well as proposed ways forward to improve Philippine presence and bilateral relations in their respective areas and countries. Issues relating to the delivery of consular and assistance to nationals services were also discussed.

The conference was highlighted by the active participation of the Heads of Posts (HOPs) in the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. 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 third and last of the three (3) regional consultation meetings that were conducted by the Department for its network of Philippine honorary consular officers this year. END