16 September 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Milan reached its 3,500th registrant on September 11 since it started its overseas voters registration on May 6.
Eighteen (18) year-old business economics major Alessandra Quibuyen just reacquired her Filipino citizenship on September 09. After two days, she voluntarily registered as an overseas voter.
A native of Gerona, Tarlac, Alessandra has been flying back and forth between Italy and the Philippines since she was nine years old to pursue her studies in Milan during the school year and to reconnect with her grandparents and friends in the Philippines during summer holidays.
When asked why she wanted to vote, Alessandra shared, “Since I’m a Filipino again, I must vote. Voters must choose those people who are worthy to lead the country.”
Alessandra’s parents have been working in Italy for more than 20 years. She aspires to be a bank executive in the Philippines “kasi mas feel at home sa Pilipinas.”
Philippine Consul General Marichu Mauro remarked, “We continue to vigorously encourage the Filipino communities in Milan and Northern Italy in all available fora including Filcom celebrations, Filipino masses mobile consular services. The reaction of the community has been very positive in view of their appreciation of the very important role of overseas Filipinos in shaping the future of our country.” END