By Alithea De Jesus
After virtually inaugurating the Honorary Consulate in Mindanao last October 2020, His Excellency Rafael Harpaz, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Philippines went to Davao City last on February 22, 2021 and personally inaugurated the opening of Israel’s Honorary Consulate to Mindanao based in Davao City headed by Honorary Consul Mr. Jorge Marquez.
Due to pandemic restrictions, the conferment of Honorary Consul Mr. Marquez and the soft opening of the Honorary Consulate was held online last October 06, 2020.
The 3-day official visit of Ambassador Harpaz, Mme. Shulamit Harpaz, and Consul Ms. Sarit Avivi included a virtual meeting with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Discussed among others is the strong bond between Israel-Davao, which is expected to grow stronger especially with the establishment of Israel’s Honorary Consulate based in the city. Ambassador Harpaz mentioned to Davao City Mayor that Israeli tourists would certainly come and visit Davao as soon as the travel restrictions are lifted.
Both Ambassador Rafael Harpaz and Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio were present during the historic visit of President Rodrigo Duterte in Israel last September 2018.
The Israeli delegation made a visit at Toril Health Center, one of the three District Health Centers, which were all beneficiaries of the donations from Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation – MASHAV. Ambassador Harpaz personally inspected the medical supplies, equipment, and earthworks improvements, which qualified the center for the renewal of their Department of Health (DOH) permit for operation of their Birthing Home Facility.
Ambassador Harpaz also met with Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubajib, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) Mayor Al David Uy, Israeli businessmen situated in Davao, and other city officials.
The physical opening ceremony was attended by the Honorary Consulate staff, Embassy officials, and guests namely: PBGen Filmore Escobal of PNP PRO XI Command Center; PCol Kirby Kraft, PNP DCPO; Dr. Malou Monteverde, DCCCII, President and Hon. Consul of Mexico; Leonilo G. Claudio, President, Canadian Chamber and President, Ecoland Medical Center; Catherine-Magno-Dejacto, OIC, DFA XI; and DOT XI Regional Director Tanya Rabat.
Israel’s Honorary Consulate to Mindanao based in Davao City is located at Gadol Building 117 Fransisco Ave. Juna Subd. Matina, Davao City.