14 May 2015 – Philippine Consul General Marciano R. de Borja administered the oath of office of Mr. Glicerio M. Arago, newly-appointed Philippine Honorary Consul for the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI), on May 08 at the Philippine Consulate General in Agana. The simple, formal ceremony was attended by the Consulate General’s staff, Mr. Arago’s colleagues and staff, as well as representatives from Tan Holdings Corporation and the Filipino community in Saipan.

Mr. Arago appointment as Philippine Honorary Consul by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario was made effective on April 08. Mr. Arago is also the Senior Vice President and Chief Finance Officer of Tan Holdings Corporation in Saipan. The Honorary Consulate, based in Saipan, has jurisdiction over the entire Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI).

In his short message, Consul General de Borja praised Mr. Arago’s willingness to serve and assist the Filipino community. He also said that Arago’s appointment was a welcome development and would be a big help for the Philippine Consulate General in Guam in addressing the needs of the Filipino community, since the Philippine Consulate General in Saipan was closed back in 2012.

Mr. Arago said that he was honored to be given the chance to serve as the Philippine Honorary Consul to serve the Filipino community, particularly in the CNMI. Being new to this responsibility, he said that there would be a lot of challenges but that he would try to do his best to work closely with the Philippine Consulate General in Guam to serve the needs and interests of the Philippines and the Filipino community in Saipan and in the entire CNMI.

After the oathtaking ceremony, the Consulate General briefed Mr. Arago on his functions and responsibilities as new Honorary Consul.

In the afternoon, he and the rest of the guests from Tan Holdings Corporation and Filipino community representatives from Saipan attended the Philippine Franchise Business Forum, organized by the Philippine Consulate General in cooperation with the Philippine Franchise Association at Holiday Resort Hotel. END