26 December 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Damascus conducted the first “Kapihan sa Pasuguan” on December 22 at the St. Anthony Parish church in Damascus, Syria.
More than 70 Filipinos participated in the event.
The Embassy’s Charge d’ Affaires, e.p. (CDA) Nestor N. Padalhin described the “Kapihan” as “the best way to meet with the members of the Filipino community who are still in Syria and to encourage them to avail of the Mandatory Repatriation Program (MRP) of the Philippine government.” It was also an opportune time to conduct the said event following the Sunday Holy Mass sponsored by the Embassy since most Filipino workers in Damascus take their day-off every Sunday to hear mass at the St. Anthony Parish Church.
CDA Padalhin further stressed that since the conflict in Syria is still far from over, the Embassy continuously monitors the welfare and security of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who opted to remain there. OFWs in Syria are regularly apprised of the current security situation in the country and given advice on precautionary measures. The Embassy estimates that there are still 2,689 Filipinos who are living and working in Syria.
CDA Padalhin formally opened the “Kapihan” by explaining to the OFWs the purpose of the program and thanking them of their presence. Vice Consul Francis Maynard S. Maleon and members of the Rapid Response Team Members Hector Cruz (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) and Rex Malimban (Philippine National Police) were speakers.
Vice Consul Maleon encouraged OFWs to avail of the government’s MRP and requested assistance from the Filipino community to inform the Embassy about other Filipinos who might wish to be repatriated.
Mr. Malimban briefed the attendees on the current security developments in Syria and reminded them to exercise vigilance while Mr. Cruz discussed the various OWWA benefits awaiting OFWs who return to the Philippines.
A Q&A session followed in which the OFWs were able to ask questions on various matters. They were also advised to contact the Embassy at telephone nos: 011-6132626/ 0949155557, in case they need assistance regarding MRP.
The next Kapihan sa Pasuguan is tentatively set on the 2nd week of February 2014. At the end of the program, all attendees happily shared coffee and pastries brought by the Embassy. END