19 August 2016 —The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco recently invited ABS-CBN Foundation International Managing Director Louis “Jerry” Benedict Bennett for a Talakayan sa Konsulado, an ongoing series of information sessions on various topics relevant to the Filipino-American Community.

The activity is in commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking.

Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. welcomed the Filipino Community to the Philippine Consulate, informing them of the desire of the Philippine Embassy to provide information to the community about developing issues that could impact them, their families and friends. 

Mr. Bennett stressed the importance of building a Community that watches out for one another. Under the Bantay Bata program is the Online Kids Safety (OKS) caravan and multimedia campaign on online child sexual abuse and exploitation. He explained that human trafficking is of grave concern to the Philippines, which victimizes highly vulnerable groups such as women and children.  He emphasized that the foundation is committed to educating the public on this and other issues of national concern.

He also informed the Filipino community that they have been active in supporting Overseas Filipinos, making sure that balikbayans are made aware of resources and safety nets available to them and their families back home by bridging them to government agencies and NGOs. 

Traditionally held on a Monday or Friday, the Talakayan takes advantage of the higher number of applicants on those days to reach out to as many members of the Filipino American Community and impart information on various issues that affect them.

For 2016, the Consulate General has held three Talakayan sessions on the following topics:  Overseas Voter Registration and Overseas Voting, Medicare for Filipino-Americans, and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ World War II Veterans Parole Program. END