PHL Embassy Moscow Opens Doors to Filipinos Stranded by Heavy Snow

Winter at the Philippine Embassy in Moscow (photo: Philippine Embassy files).

19 February MOSCOW – The Philippine Embassy in Moscow will provide temporary shelter to Filipinos in the city who might be stranded by heavy snow and blizzards. In an advisory posted on its Facebook and web pages on 6 February 2018, the Embassy said that Filipinos unable to return to their residence because of bad weather and are able to go to the Embassy would be welcome to stay at the Embassy any time of day or night.

Moscow had recently suffered from record snowfall and movement around the city had been difficult.

“The Russian and the Moscow City government were very responsive during the heavy snows and blizzards and were able to keep the roads and transport systems open,” Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta said. “There have been minimal injuries and services remained open, but getting around had presented some challenges. We thought it best to offer Filipinos shelter in case they couldn’t get to where they are going, particularly if their destination is far or not yet accessible,” he added.

The Embassy prepared its shelter which has bedrooms, bathrooms and a kitchen with food and other supplies.  The shelter was established with the support of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila and is maintained for Filipinos in need or in distress.

The Embassy had also issued an earlier advisory on measures that should be observed during heavy snow and that it would remain open and maintain regular office hours even during extremely adverse weather. END

For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph/ https://www.facebook.com/moscowpe/ or https://www.facebook.com/moscowpeconsular/