Philippine Diplomats, Consular Posts in North, Central and South American Countries Convene for Regional Caucus
LOS ANGELES 03 December 2024 - A total of 17 Foreign Service Posts of the Philippines sent their respective Ambassadors and Consuls General and Consuls joined DFA officials from Manila (a total of 46 participants) for the OUMA, OUCSCA, OCA Regional ATN, Contingency and Consular Caucus from 23-24 November 2024 in Los Angeles.
Among the major issues discussed were the evolving migration policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – expanding its mere Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) functions to include ongoing policy of the Marcos Administration. Stakeholders in the “Philippines and abroad” on migration, and its connection with the Philippine Development Plan was expounded. The program included an online briefing from DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose A. de Vega on the country’s migration policy and the distinction of the DFA’s work with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). On-the-ground needs of all Filipinos (not just OFWs covered by the DMW and Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) Attachés) but the Philippine diaspora partners was further clarified.
On Day 2 of the conference, Consular topics were discussed by the Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz and his team. The DFA Office of Migration Affairs (DFA-OUMA) team was led onsite by Assistant Secretary Robert O. Ferrer, Jr. and the OUMA Team.
The Office of the Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs (DFA-OUCSCA), represented by Acting Deputy Undersecretary Christina Gracia Rola-McKernan, on behalf of Undersecretary Jesus S. Domingo delved on the value added by the volunteer Filipino Diaspora groups in providing assistance not just to Foreign Service Posts but Host governments including on disaster relief, where appropriate.
The status of Bilateral Labor Agreements (BLAs) and their mode of negotiations were discussed by Office of American Affair’s Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Ma. Corina A. Reyes.
The re-election of the former US President Donald Trump as the 47th President provided an opportunity for Philippine Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) in the United States to engage and dialogue with the incoming Republican-led U.S. Administration in ensuring that Filipinos in America continue to be law-abiding, necessary components, and important pillars of the U.S. immigrant population. The important role of Filipinos born as Americans or naturalized citizens was emphasized.
The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles spared no effort in making the Caucus and attendant activities a success. Philippine Ambassador to Washington D.C., His Excellency Jose Manuel D. Romualdez, greeted the attendees online. END
