5 February 2013- A testament to the growing success of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA’s) Private Public Partnership (PPP) with leading shopping malls, the DFA inaugurated the new office of DFA Legazpi located on the 3rd Floor of Pacific Mall Legazpi last February 1.
The six-million-peso, 400-square-meter world class consular facility will serve the Bicol Region.
DFA Legazpi is the 11th DFA mall-based consular office and the first to be inaugurated in 2013. The relocation of DFA Legazpi offices to Pacific Mall is also a reaffirmation of the DFA’s commitment to bringing consular services closer to the people.
DFA Undersecretary for Administration Rafael E. Seguis led DFA officials who witnessed the formal unveiling of the new offices. Other DFA senior officials who were present during the occasion included DFA Senior Special Assistant Ma. Rowena Sanchez, Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Jaime Victor Ledda, Office of ASEAN Affairs Assistant Secretary Teresita Barsana, Assistant Secretary for Personnel and Administrative Services Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek, Special Assistant Mr. Marciano de Borja and Deputy Legislative Liaison Voltaire Mauricio.
Pacific Mall Corporation (PMC) was represented by Ms. Margaret Gaisano Ang, Managing Director of Vicsal Development Corporation and Mr. Eduardo Ponce, President and COO for Metro Retail of Vicsal Development Corporation.
Local government officials who attended the inauguration were led by Albay Governor Jose Maria “Joey” Salceda. Also in attendance were Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal, Tabaco City Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro, Ligao City Mayor Linda Gonzales and AKO Bicol Party List Representative Rodel Batocabe.
Several heads of regional government offices, representatives of colleges and universities, members of chambers of commerce and media were also present at the event.
The award-winning Baao Children’s Choir performed during the program.
Recalling the humble beginnings of DFA Legazpi, Undersecretary Seguis stated that the new DFA Legazpi offices would not have been possible without the strong cooperation and valuable assistance of Pacific Mall Corporation.
On behalf of the DFA, Undersecretary Seguis expressed his heartfelt gratitude to PMC and hoped for a further strengthening of partnership in the coming years.
DFA Legazpi is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 p.m. and can be contacted through telephone number (054) 480-3000. END
