30 September 2016— A team from the Philippine Embassy in Ankara conducted a consular mission and engaged in cultural and economic activities in Istanbul from September 24 to 26.

The Embassy provided consular services to more than 150 Filipinos.

The Embassy processed 46 e-passport applications, eight SPAs, two acknowledgements, two certifications, two reports of birth, and one report of marriage. The Embassy also received 24 applications for Embassy ID registrations of Filipinos in Turkey, two applications of lost passports, and two NBI applications.

The team provided Assistance-To-Nationals (ATN) services to four Filipinos and addressed some inquiries on requirements, processing, and fees on the report of birth, report of marriage, and contract of employment.

The team also visited Taksim Square, Istiklal Street or Independence Avenue, and the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It attracts an average of 250,000 to 400,000 visitors daily and was listed in 2014 as No.1 among world's most-visited tourist attractions with 91,250,000 annual visitors.

The team distributed tourism collaterals and met with businessmen who were engaged in dealerships for mother of pearl, musical instruments, and fiber-glass boats. END