CEBU, Philippines - The Austrian Consulate is open once again to serve the public and the Austrians in the Visayas and Mindanao.
The opening of the Austrian Consulate located at the Ground Floor of the CRM Building at Escario cor. Molave Sts., was highlighted with a ribbon cutting by His Excellency, Ambassador Mag. Wilhelm Doriko, the Austrian Ambassador himself, assisted by the newly installed Honorary Consul Julie Alegrado Vergara and guest Mayen Angbetic Tan of The FREEMAN.
A briefing on the duties, responsibilities and expectations of the new Honorary Consul was given by Ambassador Mag. Wilhelm Doriko, followed by the handing over of the official documents appointing Ms. Julie Alegrado Vergara as the Honorary Consul for Austria.
Installation of Hon. Consul Julie Vergara was later held at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. Cocktails and dinner were served as the visitors foretaste of the program. Before the official appointment of Ms. Vergara as the Honorary Consul for Austria, His Excellency, Ambassador Mag. Wilhelm Doriko, explained the Austrian government's long process involved before the approval of an appointment as Honorary Consul.
Response by the Hon. Consul, Ms. Vergara, followed. Relating her love for Austria that began at a very young age during one of the family visits to the country that her dad served for so many years, which was rekindled when she stayed in the city to study on Hotel and Restaurant Management.
Julie's father, Consult General Arcadio C. Alegrado — who served the Austrian people as the Honorary Consul, and later appointment as Consul General, for about twenty-six (26) years — related how his consular stint started with just a simple hospitable act inherent of a Filipino.
The highlights of the night was not only the Installation of Hon. Consul Julie Vergara, but also a surprise for Consul General Arcadio C. Alegrado. The government of Austria bestowed upon him one of the highest honors reserved to its consular officers.
Many consuls, media friends, family members and well-wishers graced the occasion. (Contributed) (FREEMAN)