PH Consulate General in Manado Holds Assistance to Nationals Dialogue

Immigration, fishery, and labor officials of the Indonesian Government and academics discussed ways to facilitate cooperation between Philippine Consulate General in Manado and Indonesian stakeholders in promoting the welfare of Filipinos. (Manado PCG photo)

MANADO 31 October 2018 — The Philippine Consulate General in Manado, Indonesia held the first experts seminar and academic discussion on Assistance to Nationals on 29 September 2018 that brought together concerned Indonesian officials and members of the academe to discuss issues and challenges confronted by Filipinos under the Indonesian criminal justice system and laws on immigration, fishery, labor, and border protection.

In attendance at Four Points Hotel were Attorney Michael Remizaldy Jacobus who discussed criminal law and court procedure, Marine and Fisheries Department Head Ronald Sorongan, Bitung Immigration Head Lexie Mangindaan, Selfia Poluan of the North Sulawesi Labor Department, and Yohanes Pailah of the De La Salle University in Manado who talked about border protection laws. Each speaker delivered a 60-minute presentation and then engaged the members of the audience in an exchange of ideas on salient topics.

Filipino teachers of the Manado Independent School (MIS) got especially engaged in the discussions on labor law. They sought clarification on the specific provisions of their employment contracts and the rights and benefits of Filipino workers under Indonesian law.

Another highlight of the event was the roundtable meeting between the Consulate and Indonesian officials who provided inputs into strategies to settle pending cases of illegal fishing and illegal entry. Indonesian officials renewed their commitment to Post to facilitate the disposition of these cases.

The meeting also explored the way forward for mass legalization of status of Filipinos in Eastern Indonesia and revival of PH-ID partnership in fishing industries. Consul General Oscar Orcine impressed upon the Indonesian officials the need to reciprocate Philippine generosity towards hundreds of Persons of Indonesian Descent (PIDs) who were given the opportunity to legalize their status in the Philippines. In response to this appeal, Indonesian officials expressed desire to meet with the Consul General to discusses the specifics of the projects. END

For more information, visit www.bruneipe.dfa.gov.ph/ www.philippine-embassybrunei.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBrunei/

Consul General Oscar Orcine (middle, in coat and hat) led members of the Filipino Community and Philippine Consulate General in Manado personnel in reaching out to Indonesian officials and academics to discuss relevant issues on immigration, fishery, labor, and justice. (Manado PCG photo)

Filipino teachers of the Manado Independent School (MIS) received certificates of appreciation from Philippine Consulate General in Manado for their active participation in the discussions on the rights and benefits of Filipino workers under Indonesian law. (Manado PCG photo)