New Austrian Honorary Consul
Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Philippines, Wilhelm Donko recently visited Cebu to preside over the ceremonial installation of Julie Alegrado Vergara as the newly appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Austria for the Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan.
Earlier in the day, the Ambassador together with Julie Vergara reopened the Austrian Consulate office which was temporarily closed when Arcadio Alegrado decided to retire after 26 fruitful years serving as Consul General.
The Ambassador briefed the new honorary consul on her duties, responsibilities and what is expected of her from the community especially the Austrian citizens residing in Cebu and its neighboring islands.
The formal installation was later held at the five-star hotel, Marco Polo Plaza. Business and civic leaders and members of the diplomatic corp were in attendance to welcome their newest colleague.
Before the appointment, the ambassador explained the tedious process involved prior to the approval of an appointment as honorary consul by the Austrian government and then by the president of the Philippines Benigno Aquino III.
Vergara, in her acceptance speech, related about her love affair with Austria which began during one of many family visits to the country. This was rekindled when she stayed in the city to study at the International Center for Hotel and Tourism Training and graduated with Distinction.
Vergara likewise pledged her support to help promote and sustain the joint projects and programs of both countries, as well as develop and strengthen small and medium scale enterprises.
Another highlight of the event was the recognition by the Austrian government of Arcadio Alegrado’s dedicated service for almost three decades and for having nurtured Austrian interests in Cebu. He was bestowed the highest medal of honor reserved to its consular officers.
As Austria is the center of musical innovations and the birthplace of many famous Composers such as Johann Strauss, Franz Liszt and Franz Schubert, a string quartet played memorable pieces to the enjoyment of the guests throughout the evening.