25 July 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. presented his credentials as non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Governor General of Belize Sir Colville Young at a ceremony held at the Belize House in the country’s capital, Belmopan City. Philippine Ambassador Dilem was one of two ambassadors who handed over their Letters of Credence to Governor General Young on the same day, the other being the resident Chinese Ambassador of the Republic Belize.
Upon arrival at the Belize House, the aide-de-camp of the Governor General, Captain Eric Neal welcomed Philippine Ambassador Dilem and the members of his delegation, Administrative Officer Bernardo Bagalay and Philippine Honorary Consul to Belize, Atty. Mikhail Arguelles. The entourage was accompanied by Ms. Yolanda Gomez, Chief of Protocol of the Belizean Foreign Ministry. The group was then requested to proceed to the office of the Governor General where the Ambassador was formally presented to the Governor General by the Chief of Protocol. In accordance with the protocol of the presentation ceremony, Philippine Ambassador Dilem delivered his introductory message to the Governor General in which he conveyed the greetings and felicitations of President Benigno S. Aquino III. He likewise expressed the desire to enhance cooperation between the two countries and to strengthen the existing relationship not only by expanding trade but by also exploring other areas where the two countries can cooperate.
Philippine Ambassador Dilem then presented the originals of his Letter of Credence and the Letter of Recall of his predecessor, Philippine Ambassador George B. Reyes to Governor General Sir Colville Young. After the letters were presented, the Governor General, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen of England welcomed the Ambassador. Ambassador Dilem then presented the members of his delegation to the Governor General.
During the one-on-one conversation between Philippine Ambassador Dilem and Governor General Young, both expressed their aspiration for the cordial relationship that exists between their respective countries to continue and to expand to other spheres. The Philippine Ambassador thanked the Governor General for the hospitality being provided to the 50 Filipino nationals that reside in Belize.
A formal toast ended the short but meaningful ceremony in which the Philippine Ambassador and the Governor General wished each other continued good health and expressed desire for a more fruitful cooperation between the Philippines and Belize.
The ceremony ended at with the Governor General bidding the Philippine delegation farewell as the Chief of Protocol and the Aide-de-Camp accompanied the him to the lobby of the Belize House where he signed the guest book. END