DFA CONDUCTS TRAINING FOR SPECIAL BOARD OF CANVASSERS (SBOC) ABROAD  

19 March 2007 – The Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), conducted a training program for Chairpersons of the Special Board of Canvassers from various Philippine Embassies and Consulates on 19-20 March 2007 at the Heritage Hotel in Manila .  

A total of 63 participants from different Posts attended the training with 21 Ambassadors and 5 Chargé d'Affaires.  The Opening Ceremony was attended by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael E. Seguis, Chairman of the Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat (OAVS); COMELEC Chairman Benjamin S. Abalos, Sr.; Commissioner Florentino A. Tuason, Jr., Chairman on the Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting (COAV); Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer and Atty, Generoso G. Calonge, Vice Chairman of the OAVS.  

In his message, Chairman Abalos said that his goal is to “leave a significant legacy to the Filipino people,” this being the last election during his term, and he desires to institutionalize honesty and transparency in all elections.  The Chairman expressed his appreciation to the Foreign Service for the dedication and support it has shown in the Philippines ’ democratic processes.    

Undersecretary Seguis, representing Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, commended the Foreign Service not only “for protecting the human rights of Filipinos abroad but also for taking up the challenge of protecting their right to suffrage.”  “The Foreign Service is not only tasked to promote good relations abroad but, with the Overseas Absentee Voting, is also expected to ensure the efficiency and success of the coming elections,” he added.  

The high-level representatives who participated in the training showed the confidence of the heads of posts in the COMELEC, and made a commitment towards clean, honest and efficient elections. END

/jay

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