14 April 2014 - Ambassador Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. presented his credentials as Non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal at ceremonies held on April 07 at the Palacio Nacional in Panama City.

Ambassador Dilem was one of nine concurrent and four resident ambassadors who handed over their letters of credence to President Martinelli on that day.

Upon arrival at the Palacio Nacional, Ambassador Dilem and his delegation were welcomed by the Chief of Protocol as they were ushered into the sitting room  to  await their turn.  On the way to the salon, Palace Honor Guards saluted the Ambassador and his delegation as they made their way past the country flags of the Ambassadors presenting their credentials.


Ambassador Dilem had a lengthy discussion with President Martinelli in which the former conveyed the best wishes of President Benigno S. Aquino III. President Martinelli in turn extended warm greetings to President Aquino and expressed his country’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with the Philippines through dialogue, respect and mutual understanding. Panamanian Foreign Affairs Minister Francisco Alvarez de Soto joined the President during the meeting.

Ambassador Dilem likewise expressed the profound gratitude of the Philippine government for the 8,000 pieces of water filtration units donated by the Panamanian government to ease the water shortage in the areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).  Ambassador Dilem noted the advances made by Panama in the development of its infrastructure and President Martinelli replied by saying that the Philippine participation is welcomed in the extensive five-year infrastructure program of Panama.

Immediately after the meeting, the Chief of Protocol requested the members of the ambassador’s delegation, namely Philippine Honorary Consul General in Panama Ernesto Arias and Administrative Officer Bernardo Bagalay,  to be introduced to the President and the Foreign Minister.

The ceremony ended with a photograph taken of President Martinelli and Minister Soto together with Ambassador Dilem and the members of his delegation. END