PH Embassy in Jordan, MWO Repatriates First Batch of Non-Marital Children
Plippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos (2nd from right) gives gift packs to the children before the repatriation. Photo also shows Third Secretaries and Vice Consuls Angeli A. Payumo and Sheila Marie G. Andales (rearmost 1st and 2nd from left), and Administrative Officer John Danilo G. Jiao, Jr. (rightmost).
AMMAN 09 October 2023 – Through the countless efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Jordan, a total of 13 non-marital children were successfully repatriated on 06 October 2023. This is the first batch of the 60 non-marital children that are scheduled to be repatriated this year.
After almost a decade of continued discussion and appeal to the Jordanian Government, the Philippine Embassy successfully secured an exceptional concession on 10 August 2023, paving the way for the repatriation of non-marital children and the waiving of their overstay penalties.
The said children were previously barred from being repatriated to the Philippines in the absence of a Jordanian birth certificate, a requirement for them to travel outside Jordan.
“This repatriation is a testament of the willingness of our two countries to resolve matters that affect the interests of our Filipino nationals in Jordan. We have proven that, in coordinating closely with our host government, we can get the job done. Now, our non-marital Filipino children accompanied by their parents can safely return to the Philippines,” said Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo C. Santos in a statement.
“Our appreciation also extends to the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their support to this humanitarian undertaking, including working closely with the Philippine Embassy in Amman for the requirements for this effort, which took time and a lot of representations by both sides.” the Ambassador added.
Ambassador Santos also commended the efforts of the ATN team of the Philippine Embassy for their hard work, dedication and commitment in working out the repatriation. The Embassy facilitated the issuance of Philippine civil registration documents and travel documents.
The repatriation efforts were also made possible by the Migrant Workers Office which bore the costs of flight tickets, bus transports, and temporary accommodation in the shelter a day before their departure.
Joining Ambassador Santos at the MWO office to send off these children were Third Secretary and Vice Consul Angeli A. Payumo, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie G. Andales, ATN Section Head Mr. Francisco Magno, Ms. Ma. Jolina Guerrero, Mr. Issa Mofleh, Administrative Officer Mr. John Danilo Jiao, Jr., and MWO officers headed by Labor Attaché Armi Evangel N. Peña, Assistant Labor Attaché Mr. Jaybee John Vincent Baginda, and Welfare Officer Mr. Angel Cruz. END
Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos (2nd from left) delivers a heartfelt speech during the send off of the children. From left: Third Secretary and Vice Consul Angeli A. Payumo, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie G. Andales, Labor Attaché Armi Evangel N. Peña, Administrative Officer John Danilo G. Jiao, Jr.
Left photo: Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos and Labor Attaché Armi Evangel N. Peña (center) with the Officers of the Philippine Embassy in Jordan and Migrant Workers' Office (MWO) at the MWO headquarters in Jordan. Right photo: Third Secretaries and Vice Consuls Angeli A. Payumo and Sheila Marie G. Andales during the send off of the children at the Queen Alia international Airport.
Left photo: Third Secretaries and Vice Consuls Angeli A. Payumo and Sheila Marie G. Andales assist the mothers and children at the airport. Right photo: ATN Officer Ma. Jolina M. Guerrero gives a kid a fist bump to bid farewell.
For more information, visit www.ammanpe.dfa.gov.ph, www.philembassy-amman.net or https://www.facebook.com/ammanpe.