The Filipino Community in Mumbai welcoming Ambassador-designate Ignacio (seated, 2nd from L). Also gracing the occasion were (L-R) Honorary Consul R. Swaminathan, Honorary Consul General Birla, and Vice Consul Dizon.
Mumbai, 20 February – Representatives of the Filipino Community and their families from Mumbai and adjacent localities warmly welcomed Philippine Ambassador-designate to India Josel F. Ignacio on his first visit to India’s bustling financial hub.
The evening meet-and-greet was organized by the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in the city. The Consul General, ad honorem, respected philanthropist Mme. Rajashree Birla, led the team and over 80 Filipinos, some with their Indian spouses, in warmly receiving the Ambassador-designate at the Aditya Birla Center.
Also in attendance were Consul a.h. R. Swaminathan and Vice Consul a.h. Krishnamoorthy Subramaniam.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ignacio expressed elation at the opportunity to meet kababayans and their families, very early into his term. The Philippine envoy arrived and assumed his post in India on 14 January.
The Ambassador manifested his commitment to advancing the Embassy’s Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) mandate and to continuous improvement relative to consular services. He also outlined his vision for fostering cohesion among Filipino organizations and the entire Filipino diaspora across the subcontinent, and to building collaboration on initiatives in the service of Philippine national development objectives and stronger Philippines-India ties.
The Filipino Community extending warm words of welcome. Also gracing the occasion were (L-R) Honorary Consul R. Swaminathan, Honorary Consul General Birla, and Vice Consul Dizon.
The gathering, one of the largest hosted by the Honorary Consulate in recent years, was capped by dinner and fellowship. The Ambassador-designate and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Mark Anthony P. Dizon freely greeted, mingled and interacted with guests, to the participating Filipinos’ elation and appreciation. The Ambassador pledged to undertake, as soon as practicable, a next visit to Mumbai together with a team to extend consular and other services.
The Embassy in Delhi is supported by three Honorary Consular posts across India. The Philippine Honorary Consulate in Mumbai extends services to the states of Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. END
One big Filipino family: Filipinos in Mumbai with new Ambassador Ignacio, VC Dizon, Consul General Birla and other guests.
The Filipino Community warmly welcome Ambassador-designate Ignacio and Honorary Consul General Birla on arrival.
