MANILA, Philippines - Norway has been a quiet yet robust partner in the development and growth of the Philippines through the work opportunities created in the maritime industries. To further strengthen its ties, Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines, Knut Solem representing the Royal Norwegian Consulate in Cebu formally appointed Yvette Candice Gotianuy as honorary Norwegian consul for the provinces of Cebu and Negros Oriental in simple rites at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.
Candice Gotianuy is the incumbent chancellor of the University of Cebu with four campuses, namely UC Main, UC Banilad, YC Maritime Education and Training Center and UC Lapulapu Mandaue. She concurrently holds an executive position at the Cebu Technical School and also heads the institution’s medical arm, comprising of two hospitals, namely the St. Vincent General Hospital and the soon-to-open multi-specialty hospital, the University of Cebu Medical Center at the north Reclamation in Mandaue City.
Gotianuy’s well-deserved appointment will definitely strengthen the Philippines bilateral relations with Norway specifically in the academe and business sectors.
At present, the Norwegian shipping principals are financing the education of 1,000 maritime students at the University of Cebu. This laudable program includes sending the students for apprenticeship on their third year on-board shipping vessels owned by Norwegian companies.
While the consulate in Cebu will be extending assistance to its Norwegian nationals, particularly those residing in the Visayas, the Consulate will also provide useful information about travel to Norway, offer business opportunities and support in the processing of consular requirements such as passports, visas and maritime certificates.
Norwegian passports, “Legal Capacity to Marry†and other services may also be forwarded to Norway’s consulate in Cebu for facilitation. It will also expedite applications for visas to Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Estonia and Finland.
As the newly appointed Norwegian Honorary Consul, Gotianuy will continue and build on the efficiency and good work of her predecessor, Honorary Consul Ben Dapat. Gotianuy pledged to relentlessly pursue cooperation and harmony between the Philippines and Norway through the development of economic, cultural and social ties.