02 May 2014- Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. accompanied by Third Secretary and Consul Mikhal C. De Dios and Cultural Officer Amelyn E. Julio-Obong, paid a courtesy call on the Jefe del Gobierno (Mayor), Dr. Miguel Angel E. Mancera of Mexico City at the City Hall’s Office in Centro Historico on April 29.
Ambassador Dilem expressed his appreciation for the City Government’s support to the Philippine Embassy in Mexico, highlighting the help of the Coordinación de Relaciones Internacionales (Coordination of International Relations) and the Secretary of Culture in locating a Gallery to exhibit 72 paintings by Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor in June this year, and the assistance of Mexico City policemen in maintaining peace and security in the vicinity of the Philippine Embassy and at the Ambassador’s residence.
The Ambassador also recounted the Embassy´s cultural efforts in Mexico, such as the forthcoming events with the “Squadron 201,” the 69th Anniversary of the Hoisting of the Mexican National Flag in the Philippines and the Commemoration of the Death of the Mexican Air force Pilots of the Squadron 201 in Chapultepec Mexico City and the awarding ceremonies of the art and painting contest at Santa Lucia Airbase in the State of Mexico, on May 02; the cultural presentation in San Miguel de Allende, State of Guanajuato on May 10; and the Embassy’s participation in the 6th Feria de las Culturas Amigas (Fair of Friendly Cultures) of Mexico City, opening on May 17.
Mayor Mancera replied that the doors of his Government were always open to the Embassy, and that they were also as interested as the Ambassador in enhancing relations between Mexico City and Manila.
The visit concluded with an exchange of presents between Ambassador Dilem and Mayor Mancera.
Also present during the meeting were Eng. Cuauhtémoc Cardenas Solorzano, Chief of Staff of the Coordination of International Relations, and General Director Claudio G. Ruz of the Protocol and Diplomacy Coordination of the City Government.
In Mexico, the rank of a Jefe del Gobierno, although literally translated as “Mayor,” is the equivalent of the rank of a Governor. END