04 March 2004 ----  Foreign Affairs Acting Secretary Refael E. Seguis expressed his full support for the new set of officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs Personnel Association (DFAPA) as he administered the oathtaking ceremony yesterday, 03 March 2004 at the Office of the Secretary Conference Room. “ I congratulate the new set of DFAPA officers and give my full support in their programs and projects for the year,” he said.

In behalf of the DFAPA officers President Roberto Versoza expressed appreciation of the DFA Administration’s support for the association and expressed optimism to fulfill its agenda for the year. “I am glad that the administration is supportive of our programs and projects and I am optimistic that we will fulfill our agenda for this year,” he said. “It is important to have the backing from highest officials to the lowest rank of the Department in implementing our programs for them to succeed,” he added.

The new set of officers are: Roberto B. Versoza (President); Marjorie T. Taleon (1st Vice President); Edna P. Yasay (2nd Vice President); Wilfredo L. Yabut, Charles N. Garrido, Maria Antonia D. Bosa, Arthur L. Blas, Lorlee Jane S. Mandi, Fatima Mejilla C. Castillo, Norma A. Laut, and Josephine S. Mesa (Directors).

During the oath-taking ceremony, the Acting Secretary asked for the plan of action of the new set of officers. In response, the officers listed down their 10-point agenda as follows:
 

• Fast release of appointments of promotable employees;

• Upgrading of salary of contractual employees to take effect immediately as well as the upgrading of salary and other benefits of all regular and casual employees;

• To take active participation in the negotiation and selection of Health Insurance providers for all regular, casual and contractual employees;

• Regular updates of PAG-IBIG and GSIS contributions and loan payments;

• To look into the legality of the Head of Post’s prerogative in the selection of staff for foreign assignment in violation of Department regulation in the manpower and rotation of personnel;

• Creation of Children’s Mini-Library and Physical Fitness Gym

• Review of the Office Order regarding the mandatory duty at the Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) of contractual personnel;

• Medical support to all personnel rendering overtime services during weekends and holidays;

• Immediate release of Philamcare Membership Cards for 2004;

• Facilitation of the construction of footbridge along Roxas Boulevard near the DFA.

The DFAPA election was held last 27 February 2004 in the Home Office and on 23 February in the Foreign Service Posts and Regional Consular Offices.