07 October 2016 — The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates hosted its Monthly Town Hall Meeting on October 03 at the Consulate’s Rizal Hall. The meeting is the Consulate’s initiative to reach out to the community and discuss with them Philippine domestic and foreign policies, consulate procedures, and other community concerns.

Over 100 community leaders, members of Dubai-based media, and other interested individuals attended the meeting. During the forum, participants actively discussed community events, CDA regulations, Philippine ASEAN Chairmanship, OEC regulations, business missions, consular services among others.

Philippine Consul General to Dubai Paul Raymund P. Cortes provided an overview to the audience on public issues and concerns, giving the Filipino community an opportunity to recommend and suggest ways for the PH government to address the issues discussed. He also emphasized that the views and perspectives of civil society, community organizations, and other stakeholders must always be forwarded to the attention of government in the spirit of a governance that is inclusive, people-centered, and people-oriented.                                                     

The Philippine Consulate holds town hall meetings every month as part of its initiative to effectively disseminate not only Philippine policy but also vital U.A.E. laws and regulations for the information and guidance of the Filipino community in Dubai and Northern Emirates. END