Scores of Philippines DFA officers and personnel were recognized for exemplary service during the commemoration of the 122nd founding anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which coincided with the birthday of Apolinario Mabini, the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

The Philippine Embassy in Bahrain received the Best Organization Award during the 122nd DFA Day celebration held virtually. The Embassy was honoured for initiating the innovative Financial Assistance Program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and its critical role in

one of the Department’s flagship programs, the conclusion and adoption of the Global Compact on Migration (GCM).

In addition, the Embassy was given a special citation for its efforts in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, H.E. Alfonso A. Ver, was also recognized for his 30 years of exemplary and dedicated service to the DFA. Other members of the Embassy's personnel were also recognized for 25, 15, and 10 years of service.

“I salute the men and women of the DFA who have given more than was asked of them. While the pandemic is a misfortune for all, we take solace in the fact that we have colleagues whose achievements we fittingly celebrate on the same day as Mabini’s birthday. We are glad that it is with them we stand our ground to face this pandemic; others would have buckled to their knees,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. said in his message.

The program was a blended face-to-face and virtual event that brought together DFA personnel from the Home Office, the different consular offices and the Foreign Service Posts from different time zones around the world. It was live-streamed on YouTube.

SOURCE: ALBILAD