For being a gracious host, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) was hailed by immigration and consular heads of the 10 member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in its annual regional meeting, it was learned Saturday.

In a joint press statement approved during the closing ceremony held Wednesday night at the New World Hotel, Makati City, delegates praised BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan and other bureau officials for well-managed living quarters accorded to them.

“We thank the Philippine government, through Commissioner Libanan for their generous hosting of our annual meeting” said Dr. Termsak Chalermpalanupap, ASEAN secretariat delegation head, echoing the shared statements of other delegates.

Chalermpalanupap added that they are always looking forward to the Philippines as their host because of its known traits—being warm and hospitable.

It was the second time the BI hosted the annual meet. In 2000, then Commissioner Rufus Rodriguez hosted the ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Head of Consular Affairs Division of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (DGICM) in Cebu City. (Jun Ramirez)