ILOILO CITY -- The city government will establish a protocol office under the Office of the Mayor to handle very important guests such as investors and foreign dignitaries.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III has tapped Jorvelyn Jaruda-Espinosa, one of the liaison officers during the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting held in Iloilo and in Manila, to serve as protocol officer.
Espinosa, the cousin of business tycoon Edgar “Injap” Sia, also used to work as chief of staff of former senator Jamby Madrigal.
The protocol office will function similar to that of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS).
There is already a need to “level up” because Iloilo City had been a destination both for investors and other important foreign visitors, said Espinosa on Monday.
The proposal was brought up as the city government gears for the arrival of some 50 investors from the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines who will be here for a trade mission on March 8-9, 2018.
He also said that he met one foreign envoy at the Madge Café in La Paz and when he checked with his office he learned that the city government was not informed.
He added though that there should be proper coordination with the Philippine National Police for security escorts.
He said it was a lesson learned but “protocol dictates that we should know”.
He added that whatever happens would be the responsibility of the local government.
Meanwhile, Espinosa said that they would also tap in-house liaison officers of the city.
Thereafter, the city government will communicate with the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the existence of the office. (PNA)
Photo by Perla Lena
