Philippine Consulate General in New York Honored by DFA PRAISE Committee for Exemplary Public Service

The Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY) has been recognized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for its exemplary performance and steadfast commitment to public service over the past year. The recognition was conferred by the DFA’s Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee, chaired by Undersecretary Hellen de la Vega, with the support of Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez.

The award highlights the Consulate’s professionalism, excellence, and patriotism in advancing Philippine interests and serving the Filipino community throughout the U.S. Northeast. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of its current and former personnel, under the dynamic leadership of Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, whose direction has guided the Consulate in strengthening diplomatic partnerships, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring efficient delivery of consular services.

As the Consulate undergoes transitions, it conveys its heartfelt appreciation to Vice Consul Cathe Ryne Denice S. Aguilar for her dedicated service. During her tenure, she led the Political, Economic, Cultural, and Public Diplomacy Sections and served as Sentro Rizal Program Manager, significantly contributing to the Consulate’s programs and outreach. She now assumes her new post as Third Secretary at the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. The Consulate extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes as she embarks on this new chapter of her diplomatic career. Her invaluable contributions to the Consulate and the Filipino-American community are deeply appreciated.

The Consulate also honors Trade Commissioner Benedict M. Uy for his exemplary leadership of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center–New York (PTIC-NY) from July 2021 to June 2025. Commissioner Uy played a pivotal role in promoting Philippine exports and attracting investments in key sectors such as information technology and business process management (IT-BPM), healthcare, manufacturing, biotechnology, and agriculture. His efforts significantly advanced the Philippines’ economic diplomacy agenda across the U.S. Northeast and Midwest. As he returns to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Manila, the Consulate extends its sincere gratitude and best wishes for continued success.

Additionally, the Consulate bids farewell to Consul Ricarte B. Abejuela III, whose six-year tour of duty was marked by commitment and excellence. As Supervising Officer of the Dual Citizenship, Legalization, and Overseas Voting Sections, he ensured the smooth and reliable delivery of vital consular services. The Consulate deeply values his contributions and wishes him success in his new assignment at the DFA.

As it celebrates these milestones and transitions, the Philippine Consulate General in New York, under the leadership of Consul General Senen Mangalile, reaffirms its enduring commitment to public service, diplomacy, and community partnership—remaining a reliable and proactive institution for Filipinos and stakeholders throughout the region.