Austrian consulate in Cebu opens new consul

CEBU, Philippines - Strengthening a mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries, officials of the Philippines and Austria installed a new honorary consul of the Republic of Austria and reopened the Austrian Consulate in Cebu.

After the approval by the Austrian and Philippine Governments, Austrian Ambassador Wilhelm Donko appointed Julie Alegrado-Vergara as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Austria for the Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan.

Vergara, for her part, revealed that her main objective as the link between the two countries is to make sure Austria will never be confused with Australia.

She vowed to assist and protect Austrian citizens staying in the country, increase friendship, facilitate trade and create further awareness.        She also cited that since Austria has been famous for its tourism industry, it would also be beneficial for the Philippines to learn how the former handle resorts and hotels and extend hospitality and good service to visitors.

“It is with humbling pride and honor to serve Austria and I thank the Austrian Government for the trust and confidence. With the relationship between the two countries, we would surely learn from each other,” she stated.

Considering Austria as a place of fascination, Vergara fell in love with the country’s rich culture, history, music, arts and even studied its language in Vienna.

Meanwhile, Donko further noted that reopening the Austrian Consulate in Cebu is also a historic moment for Austria.

Situated at CRM Building, Escario corner Molave Streets, Lahug, the consulate had to be closed early of year with the retirement of former Austrian consul general, Arcadio Alegrado.

The consulate serves as an avenue to help Austrians seeking urgent need of support in terms of administrative and consular services.

Donko commended Alegrado, who is also the father of Vergara, for the extensive support to the foreign country for a total of 26 years.

“It was an excellent relationship between the two countries and there were no major problems. Alegrado did a great job. We hope it will also be fruitful with Vergara and we don’t expect any problem with her,” he said.

Most of the Filipinos, he cited, stay in Austria to work and eventually marry Austrians.

He noted that there are 500 to 1000 Austrians who permanently reside nationwide and about 12,000 Austrian tourists who visit the Philippines every year especially during winter season.

For Cebu in particular, however, no statistics have been recorded.

Alegrado, on the other hand, expressed pride with the installation of his daughter who dedicated herself to follow his footsteps in serving Austria. – (FREEMAN)