14 May 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi held on May 10 a special Mass for highly-respected and beloved Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo Lucenario Jr. who recently died in Pakistan. The Mass held at the Holy trinity Parish Church in Kileleshwa, Nairobi was attended by the entire Philippine Embassy and nearly a hundred members of the Filipino Community.

Ambassador Lucenario’s colleague and personal friend Philippine Ambassador to Kenya Bayani V. Mangibin delivered a moving eulogy, focusing on the former’s “enthusiasm and genuineness” in dealing with people, and his virtues of “humility, samaritanism  and friendliness, enhanced by sincerity”. 

Several members of the Filipino community likewise spoke about their experiences with the late Ambassador. Most noted his friendly demeanor and openness and eagerness to help. Others noted his thoughtfulness and kindness even after he left Kenya and communicated to them only through Facebook. Filipino Community President Romeo de la Cruz narrated how Ambassador Lucenario tapped him in assisting to unite the Filipinos living in Nairobi and formalize the umbrella organization of the community. More importantly, he said, Ambassador Lucenario found ways to bring the Embassy closer to the Filipino community, a bond that remains strong to this day. 

The Embassy opened a book of condolences for the members of the Filipino community who wanted to relay their sympathies and prayers to the family of Ambassador Lucenario and requested the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Office of Personnel and Administrative Services (OPAS), to hand over the said book to Mrs. Nida Lucenario. END