18 August 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago is pleased to report its accomplishment of a consular outreach program in Maplewood, Minnesota on August 08. The outreach, which was done in coordination with the Fil-Minnesotan Association, was held at the Philippine Center in Minnesota (PCM) from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, there are approximately 9,464 Filipinos residing in the state of Minnesota. The outreach is part of the Consulate’s initiative of bringing public service closer to its constituents.

The consular team was led by Philippine Consul General to Chicago Generoso D.G. Calonge, and composed of Consul Alena S. Borra, Mr. Cornelio P. Santiago, Ms. Anita F. Saldo, Mr. Arneil D. Torres, Mr. Abraham D. Castillo, Ms. Maria Victoria I. Rivera, and Mr. Jerwin I. Mamalateo.

The outreach kicked off with a short program for the Filipino community, featuring speakers from various US agencies:  Ms. Roslyn C. Robertson of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mr. Nicholas Heisick of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and Mr. Donovan Wright of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  The Mayor of Maplewood, Ms. Nora Slawik, was also in attendance.

A total of 442 consular services were rendered during the outreach, which included passport applications, dual citizenship, notarials, and civil registration.

The outreach also included Overseas Voter (OV) registration services. VRM Operator Mr. Arneil D. Torres was able to process applications from 131 Filipinos who wish to exercise their right to vote in the 2016 Philippine national elections.  END