07 May 2014- In celebration of International Labor Day on May 1, the Philippine Consulate General invited leaders from the different Filipino associations in Milan and Northern Italy to a Leaders’ Forum conducted by Consul General Marichu Mauro. The Consul General opened the meeting by reading the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III on the observance of Labor Day, followed by the greetings of Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz delivered by Welfare Officer Cynthia Lamban.

Consul General Mauro discussed the new consular schedule to be implemented starting May 19, 2014 aimed to achieve greater efficiency in the delivery of consular services to the Filipino community. Both the Consulate and the community have noted an increase in the availment of consular services due to various reasons (e.g. expiring passports, additional documents required by Italian authorities, etc). The Consulate General assured the Filipinos in Northern Italy that it continues to address these challenges without sacrificing the delivery of services to the community.

Preparations for the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day in June was also discussed. An open forum followed to give the groups an opportunity to raise their suggestions and comments. As agreed and practiced in previous years, the traditional celebration of the Independence Day Mass and Kalayaan Fiesta will take place on June 8 (details to be announced later). The community was invited to dinner after the meeting. END