Eli Arago: It’s in my heart to serve my kababayans

With 30 years of his life spent in the CNMI and as one of the first batch of Filipino workers to come to Saipan, Glicerio Arago now takes on a new position to lead and serve the thousands of his kababayans (compatriots) on the islands.

Arago, more fondly known as Eli, is now officially the Philippines’ Honorary Consul to the Commonwealth after taking his oath of office before Consul General Marciano R. de Borja of the Philippine Consulate General in Guam last Friday.

His appointment to the position by Foreign Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, effective since April 8, will be a big help in dealing with the needs of Filipinos in the CNMI since the closure of the Philippine Consulate General on Saipan in 2012.

Serving his kababayans

De Borja praised Arago’s sense of service and his willingness to extend his service and assistance to the Filipino community by accepting the position even on a pro bono basis.

“It’s in my heart to serve my kababayans,” Arago said.

Despite the challenges of this new position, Arago said he will do his best to serve the needs and interest of the Philippines and the Filipino community in the entire CNMI.

Duties and responsibilities

As honorary consul, Arago must extend every possible aid and assistance to distressed Filipinos within the jurisdiction of his office. He must also promote and protect the interest of the Philippines, particularly those relating to trade, investment, and tourism.

“We can help not only the Filipino community but also the Philippine government. As Honorary Consul, you represent the country, the Philippine government here. We can help in promoting tourism and other business-related activity,” de Borja said.

Arago is also authorized to perform notarial functions such as certifying ship papers, authenticating the signature of Philippine citizens, and authenticating the validity of the official acts of local authorities or notaries public. This will include notarization and authentication of employment contracts, and the usual affidavit and power of attorney.

He can also issue certain non-immigrant visas as honorary consul.

Arago will also handle reports of births and deaths of Filipinos on the islands as well as the processing of the remains.

Ready to serve

Arago is currently senior vice president and chief finance officer of Tan Holdings Corp. His current office at JP Center, Beach Road will serve as his office for consular dealings and activities.

“The volume will dictate the need to move to another office because there might be a lot of people coming in,” Arago said.

“In the meantime, I will execute my responsibilities as honorary consul here in my current office with Tan Holdings.”

Philippine Consul General Marciano R. de Borja administers the oath of office of Honorary Consul to the CNMI Glicerio M. Arago.

Arago is a 2000 Bagong Bayani awardee, an honor conferred by the Philippine president to
the Top 10 outstanding overseas Filipino workers around the world every year. —Saipan Tribune

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