14 February 2005 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo and Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary Teresita V.G. Barsana launched this morning the “Mula Sa Puso” program of the Office of Consular Affairs in observance of Valentines Day. According to Assistant Secretary Barsana, the DFA and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) will jointly conduct the “Libre Tawag” or free overseas phone call program by distributing phone cards to the first one hundred applicants. “The program that we launched this morning, is similar to the Christmas Program entitled “Handog sa Pasko that was conducted in December for a period of two weeks,” Assistant Secretary Barsana explained.

Secretary Romulo delivered his brief remarks in Filipino, informing the passport applicants that they could avail of the “free call “ until February 22, 2005. Secretary Romulo impressed upon those present that the free call promo, which will actually last for a week, is the third time that such a program was undertaken by the Department to show goodwill to the general public. Secretary Romulo conveyed to the passport applicants that the DFA is committed in “heart and mind” to providing an efficient and compassionate service to the general public. The Foreign Affairs Secretary also enjoined those present to contribute to the Department’s efforts in improving the quality of service to the public.

Along with the free phone cards, Secretary Romulo and Assistant Secretary Barsana distributed free chocolates, in the spirit of Valentines Day, to lucky applicants who participated in a random raffle sponsored by the Office of Consular Affairs.  END