15 May 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. awarded a Certificate of Recognition signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario  to  Philippine Honorary Consul General in Caracas, Venezuela Andres Duarte Vivas for promoting the interests of the Republic of the Philippines in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela as well as providing full and active cooperation and participation in all the undertakings of the Philippine Embassy in Mexico.  A Certificate of Recognition signed by Ambassador Dilem  was likewise presented to the assistant of Consul General Duarte, Ms. Edith Gonzalez.

The ceremony commenced with Ambassador Dilem expressing  the deep appreciation of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)  for Mr. Duarte’s unwavering dedication to his duty as Honorary Consul General.  Mr. Duarte’s numerous undertakings ranging from extending assistance to distressed Filipino nationals and providing legal and consular services, with the able support of Ms. Gonzalez and the Filipino community, is a testament to his  effectiveness in carrying
 out his function.

The Honorary Consul General in his acceptance speech expressed his appreciation for the trust and confidence bestowed on him by the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Mexico. He likewise thanked the members of the Filipino community for all their voluntary support and cooperation thereby ensuring that their  rights and privileges  are protected and that the interests of the Philippines are promoted in Venezuela. END