THE DIPLOMAT WHO CARES

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LAWYER BECOMES DIPLOMAT WITH A HEART


by Tom Choy
Vancouver, British Columbia


“ Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become of value.” Albert Einstein

Deputy Consul General (DCG) Leo Tito Ausan may have spent a limited time in Vancouver but his limited presence was huge to all the people he came across and touched their lives. His brief legacy will stay for a long time.

“ I met DCG Leo in Surrey during the SPIDS Philippine Independence Day celebration and I felt DCG Leo’s genuine interest in talking to people,” quips Vancouverite Ana Napieralski.

Before Vancouver, DCG Leo was also the previous Consul General of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He was in charge of helping kababayans who may be falsely accused of a crime. He made sure if there was voting to be done by our overseas workers in the Kingdom, he made it smooth and honest. He was also in charge of repatriation of deceased compatriots. He was a man with a mission.



DCG Leo is a lawyer turned diplomat. He is a product of the pre- Law School in the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Leo placed 3rd Place in the 1995 FSO Examinations. He had a law practice and reviewed/lectured in criminal law and other law subjects before joining the diplomatic corps of the Philippines. Leo is also a Pisay, a graduate of the highly respected Philippine Science High School. He is both a Pisay and Iskolar ng Bayan (Nation’s Scholar).

Hearing DCG Leo speak,  you can sense an erudite personified. DCG obtained his Master of Laws (LL. M.) in International Maritime Law in Malta. He also obtained a Political Science Degree from the Central Philippines University in Iloilo with Latin Honors (Cum Laude). Erudite Sir Leo is; intellectual snob he is not. He is a people person though he is not in sales.



The kababayans in Vancouver wish DCG can stay longer. He needed a change though. The community had several farewell luncheons and dinners. DCG has to do what he has to do.

DCG is moving to Hong Kong to be closer to home. His better half  Agnes M. Brazas is now in Iloilo. They are blessed with two children Agnesette Marie who is a fashion designer and Carlyle Leo who is an IT Specialist.



DCG implemented the Kapihan Sa Konsulado events which is a brainchild and pet project of the current Vancouver Consul General Maria Andrelita Meanne Austria. ConGen Austria wants to interact with the various sectors of the Filipino –Canadians in Lotusland to get to know them better and discover their needs and talents.  DCG Leo presided over the  Kapihan with the Seniors and the Press Corps of Vancouver. ConGen Austria and DCG have the best interests of Vancouverites at heart. And the community has reciprocated. The UP Alumni Association co-produced a recent Balagtasan, Tulaan and More. DCG recited a poem that engaged the audience to debate whether salad is an "ulam" or dessert. 

DCG Leo loves what he does as a diplomat. There is a saying that goes that if you love what you are doing, you never have to work. DCG embodies and breathes this mojo. We wish DCG all the best in his next diplomatic tour. So long DCG and all the best until we see you again. Have a great time in Hong Kong.

 ( Tom Choy is a freelance writer based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Tom is a contributing writer for the Philippine Asian Chronicle and Entertainment Tonight Manila.)



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