The Honorary Consulate of Hungary in Davao opens

By

 Kenneth Irvin Ong

 - EdgeDavao

Suddenly, Durianburg is closer to the world with the establishment of the Honorary Consulate of Hungary in Davao in a simple reception last October 12 at the function room of Verdon Parc.

The third Honorary Consulate of Hungary of the Philippines after the establishment of Honorary Consulates in Angeles and Cebu, the new office provides a live local connection between Hungary and the Mindanao region of the Philippines. The establishment of the new Honorary Consulate is part of  The Embassy of Hungary in the Philippines thrust to be closer to the Filipino. Reopened in March 2017, The Embassy of Hungary in the Philippines is bridging a gap of more than 21 years since the closing of the Embassy back in 1995.

Appointed as the new Honorary Consul of Hungary is businesswoman, advocate, mentor, and tourism advocate Mary Ann “Baby” Montemayor.  Well known in local circles, Baby holds several managing director positions in hospitality and tourism industry, supports local and regional arts and crafts, mentors indigenous initiatives and eagerly participates in the bustling business and tourism activities of Davao.

Officiating the ceremony was Ambassador to of Hungary to the Philippines H.E. Ambassador Dr. József Bencze, who previously served as Ambassador of Hungary to Skopje, Macedonia between 2011-2016 and was Hungary’s National Chief of Police between 2007-2010. Ambassador Bencze presented his credentials to President Rodrigo Duterte on 6 December 2016.

In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps including Hon. Li Lin of China, Hon. Endah Yuliarti Farry of Indonesia, Hon. Maria Lourdes Monteverde of Mexico, Hon. Guilbert Go of the Czech Republic, Hon. Klaus Doring of Germany, Hon. Joji Ilagan-Bian of Bangladesh, Hon. Vicente Lao of New Zealand, and Mr. Ariel Decena representing the honorary consul of South Korea; business leaders; friends from the tourism industry; as well as members of the local government unit with Assistant City Administrator Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo representing Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

A toast to warmer Hungary-Philippine relationships and congratulations!