The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) delegation, led by its President and Quirino Governor Dax Cua, paid a courtesy call today on Her Excellency Ambassador Bernadette Therese Fernandez at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.
Governor Cua was joined by Governors Santiago Cane, Jr. (Agusan del Sur) and Jake Villa (Siquijor), Mayor Marvey Mariño (Batangas City), Mayor Almedzar Hajiri (Lugus, Sulu), and Mayor Jose Carlos Cari (Baybay City, Leyte). Also present were Mr. Renz Angelo Umambong (representing Mayor Maila Ting-Que of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Province), Mr. Jules Cari (Ex-Officio Member, Councilor of Baybay City, Leyte Province), Mr. Joaquin Mariño of Batangas City, Batangas Province, and Mr. Jomar Olegario, Executive Director of the League of Provinces of the Philippines. The delegation was supported by the ULAP Secretariat headed by Executive Director Aileen Leycano.
In his remarks, Governor Cua thanked Ambassador Fernandez, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Mendoza, and the Embassy staff for their warm welcome and steadfast support to Philippine local governments abroad. “Our visit here in Seoul is not only about attending the UCLG ASPAC Congress. It is about ensuring that Philippine LGUs are part of global conversations on governance—not as an afterthought, but as equal partners in shaping solutions that truly matter to our people,” Cua said.
He added that his election as President of the United Cities and Local Governments Asia- Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) in 2023, and his ongoing nomination for re-election, reflect the growing role of Philippine LGUs in shaping regional and international policy discussions.
The courtesy call highlighted the Embassy’s role as a vital partner in strengthening the presence of Philippine LGUs in the international arena. Ambassador Fernandez welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Embassy’s support in advancing the Philippines’ active engagement with international local government networks. “True diplomacy remains at home, at our local governments,” said Ambassador Fernandez.
The ULAP delegation is in Seoul to participate in the UCLG ASPAC Congress 2025, where they will share local innovations, exchange best practices with counterparts across Asia- Pacific, and forge stronger partnerships to address common challenges such as climate change, urban development, and inclusive growth.
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