14 May 2014 – Philippine Ambassador Catalino R. Dilem, Jr., representing President Benigno S. Aquino III and accompanied by Administrative Officer Bernardo Bagalay and Honorary Consul Pablo Enrique Guier Acosta as members of the Philippine delegation, attended the inauguration of new Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis Rivera in ceremonies held at the San Jose National Stadium on May 8.
The two-hour event commenced at 10:30 a.m. as Legislative Assembly President Henry Mora declared the session open. This was followed by the arrival of former President Laura Chinchilla and President Solis.
After Mr. Mora’s speech, First Vice President Helio Fallas Venegas and Second Vice President Ana Helena Chacon Echevaria were sworn into office. Immediately after, President Solis was sworn into office as the 47th President of the Republic of Costa Rica. Mr. Mora was tasked to place the presidential band on President Solis which symbolizes authority and the transfer of power to the new President.
In the President’s inaugural speech, he promised a great change in governance as he intends to practice frugality in the use of public funds as well as transparency during his term of office.
Foreign dignitaries and special envoys were given a chance to greet President Solis in a lunch hosted by him on May 8 for representatives of the international community held at the La Aduana. Ambassador Dilem extended to the Chief Executive the greetings and best wishes of President Aquino as the former embarked on a new mission for his country. President Solis thanked and expressed appreciation to Ambassador Dilem for the greetings.
Consular services were likewise provided by Ambassador Dilem, along with Mr. Bagalay and Ms. Maria Angel Queja, to the members of the Filipino community in Costa Rica. This was conducted at the office of Philippine Honorary Consul Pablo Enrique Guier Acosta. END