13 August 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago brought the overseas voters registration for the 2016 national elections to the Filipino community in Louisiana during its annual consular outreach at the Loyola University, New Orleans from June 6 to 8.
A ceremony commemorating the 116th Anniversary of Philippine Independence was also held before the start of the outreach service where the messages of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Vice-President Jejomar Binay and President Benigno S. Aquino III were read.
A simple salu-salo of traditional Filipino breakfast and fellowship between the Filipino community members and consular team followed, while a volunteer sang patriotic songs on guitar accompaniment.
In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Region VI, represented by Mr. Alexander Novas, conducted a forum on the rights of workers under the OSH Act in line with the Alliance Agreement signed with the Consulate in April.
On top of the 103 applications for overseas voters registration, the consular team was able to process a total of 277 e-Passport applications and facilitated the reacquisition of Filipino citizenship of 34 former Filipino nationals. Other usual services provided include the legalization of documents and registration of marriage and birth.
The team awarded certificates of appreciation to Mr. Robert Romero, President of the Philippine Louisiana Historical Society, Dr. Al Alcazar of Loyola University, Mr. Alexander Novas of OSHA-Region VI, and other people instrumental to the success of the consular outreach. END