From right: Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, and Undersecretary for Administration Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega pose for a photo following the conferment of the Best Organization Award | Photo courtesy of DFA-Office of Public Diplomacy)
NEW YORK — The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) honored the Philippine Consulate General in New York with the 2025 Best Organization Award during the DFA’s 127th Founding Anniversary celebration held on July 1, 2025, in Pasay City, Philippines.
The award cited the consulate’s steadfast dedication to promoting Philippine interests in the Northeastern U.S., remarkable achievements in strengthening bilateral cooperation, and exemplary standards in diplomacy, public service, and international collaboration.
Consul General Senen T. Mangalile accepted the award on behalf of the consulate, which has been particularly active in cultural diplomacy, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, from Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa P. Lazaro, coinciding with her new appointment, effective July 1.
Lazaro previously served as Deputy Consul General at the Philippine Consulate General in New York from 1999 to 2002. That assignment was part of her extensive diplomatic career, which spans postings in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Her time in New York helped shape her understanding of diaspora engagement and consular operations in one of the most dynamic global cities. It’s a full-circle moment now that she’s honoring the consulate with the award as the country’s top diplomat.
Also present was Undersecretary for Administration Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, who joined in recognizing the Consulate’s achievements in diplomacy, service, and international collaboration
In receiving the award, Mangalile offered a succinct but heartfelt reflection, saying that the recognition is a testament to the dedication of the entire team at the consulate. “We remain committed to serving our kababayan and advancing Philippine interests with integrity, compassion, and excellence,” he said.
Additionally, eleven consulate personnel, including Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer Cruz, received Loyalty Awards for decades of service to the DFA, highlighting the team’s long-standing commitment to foreign service excellence. These were:
35 Years: Raul C. Cuartero, Rovald Rene G. Valdez; 30 Years: Maria Annette F. Aquino-Herrera, Francisco E. Enaje, Ruth M. Galiza; 25 Years: Adrian Elmer S. Cruz, Ma. Lolinda N. Villamater, 20 Years: Vanessa K. De Castro; 10 Years: Anna Marie Mae R. Guerra, Nikka B. Arenal, and Sherlyn M. Roxas.
Mangalile officially assumed his post at the Philippine Consulate General in New York in January 2023, serving in the role for approximately 18 months. Under his leadership, the consulate launched several initiatives such as:
- engaging proactively with diaspora and diplomatic stakeholders as soon as he assumed post
- extending services for Filipino workers and immigrants on Saturdays (which is outside of regular hours)
- reviving large-scale community celebration of Philippine Independence Day festivities post-pandemic by partnering with local organizations
- spotlighting Filipino artists, musicians, and culinary experts in Manhattan galleries
- promoting climate resilience themes, linking Philippine priorities with local organizations through climate and diaspora and dialogues, and,
- advocating for smoother e-passport appointments and virtual info sessions by pushing for digital modernization.
His tenure has been widely praised for revitalizing the consulate’s public diplomacy strategy and centering the Filipino American community in foreign service delivery. Mangalile has actively fostered collaboration with fellow ASEAN Consuls General in New York, building on his long-standing commitment to regional diplomacy.
Shortly after assuming office, Mangalile met with Thai Consul General Fabio Chinda to reaffirm cooperation on consular matters and strengthen ASEAN’s collective role in NYC’s diplomatic landscape. Both sides expressed their readiness to pursue constructive ASEAN engagement, signaling their intent to pursue future joint programs.
His emphasis on cultural diplomacy and diaspora engagement aligns with ASEAN’s broader goals of regional identity-building abroad. Mangalile’s prior leadership as President of the Consular Corps of London—the first ASEAN diplomat to hold the role—suggests a strong inclination toward multilateral coordination, which he’s likely continued in NYC.
The anniversary celebration also marked a leadership transition at the DFA, as Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro took her oath of office before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier that day. She succeeds Enrique A. Manalo, who will serve as Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
