PH Embassy in Singapore Convenes Filipino Community Leaders’ Meeting

Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap delivers his opening remarks during the fourth Filipino Community leaders’ meeting at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore. (Singapore PE photo)

SINGAPORE 04 September 2018 – A Filipino Community leaders meeting, the fourth for this year, was held on 29 July 2018 at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore.

Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap updated the Community leaders on the recent upgrades at the Embassy, which include the air-conditioning of the Consular-Labor Section customer service area, installation of refreshment vending machines, and the installation of two self-service photocopiers.

Ambassador Yap also announced the possibility of accepting non-cash payments at the Embassy in response to requests of Filipinos in the city-state, but explained that there are certain barriers that need to be hurdled due to the Embassy’s status as a foreign diplomatic unit in Singapore and limitations imposed by Philippine regulations upon the Embassy.

The Ambassador also took the opportunity to relay the assurances of the Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano that the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to work for the benefit of all overseas Filipino workers.

Assistant Labor Attaché Macy Monique Maglanque announced a new advisory by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) on the direct hiring procedure of Filipino workers.

Ms. Maglanque reminded the community that all workers through direct hire policy are advised to submit the complete requirements and that flight booking, departure schedule, and itinerary should only be finalized and confirmed by the employer only upon the issuance of POEA Clearance and Overseas Employment Certificate.

The Embassy also announced certain role re-assignments among its diplomatic officers. Third Secretary and Vice Consul Laarni Zorayda S. Gandarosa now heads the Embassy’s Consular Section, while First Secretary and Consul J. Anthony Reyes will manage the Economic Section and Filipino Community Relations.

The Embassy also announced the arrival of two new officers—Third Secretary and Vice Consul Janina Lourdes S. Bustos, and Joseph M. Areno of the Labor Office. END

For more information, visit www.singaporepe.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippine-embassy.org.sg or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSingapore.