14 October 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. made an official travel to Panama from October 01 to 03 together with the Embassy’s Finance Officer Mr. Randy Hilot.
On October 02, Ambassador Dilem paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Itzal Patiño de Villareal, Director General for Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama at the Foreign Affairs Building in Casco Viejo, Panama City. He discussed current political and economic developments in the Philippines and thanked the Panamanian authorities for the hospitality being accorded to the Filipino community.
On the same day, he presented a certificate of recognition signed by Secretary Albert F. del Rosario to Atty. Ernesto B. Arias for promoting the interests of the Republic of the Philippines in the Republic of Panama, as well as providing full and active cooperation in all the undertakings of the Philippine Embassy in Mexico. Likewise, a certificate of appreciation was awarded to Ms. Maricela Dorado for the services she lent to the Embassy.
The Embassy’s Finance Officer and deputized COMELEC representative, Mr. Randy S. Hilot, also conducted a consular outreach and overseas voter (OV) registration for the members of the Filipino community in Panama from October 01 to 02 at the office of Atty. Ernesto B. Arias, the Philippine Honorary Consul General in Panama, located at Avenida Ricardo Arango y Calle 61, Obarrio, Panama City. 39 Filipinos applied for the passport renewals, while 26 registered for overseas voting.
The passport renewal applicants and registrants expressed their appreciation for Post’s extension of services in their area as most of their passports will expire this year while some have passports already expired. They look forward to their participation in the 2016 Philippine elections even if they are far away from their homeland.
The conduct of consular services in Panama is part of the Embassy’s efforts to reach out to all the members of the Filipino community in the countries under its jurisdiction. END