The Team provided consular services to more than 50 Filipinos in Istanbul. The Consular team processed 16 passport applications and two passport extensions, one report of borth, issued one notarial document, released four certifications, and attended to three Assistance-To-Nationals (ATN) cases. Philippine Consul General Robert O. Ferrer, Jr. also solemnized a wedding.

During the consular services, a public advisory warning against the employment of Filipinos through the internet and social media was read to the clients. It was a reiteration of POEA’s warning against the recent surge in fraudulent recruitment activities through these mediums.  The Embassy’s ATN officer also conducted a prison visit the following day.

In preparation for renewed exchange of academic visits between the Philippines and Turkey, the Team met with Dr. Erdal Kucukyalcin, Coordinator, Asian Studies Center of Istanbul’s Boğacizi University (Bosphorus University).

As part of the preparations for networking activities in pursuit of cooperation between Philippine and Turkish cities, the Team next met with Mr. Yusuf Burkut, Director of Urban Planning Directorate and Mr. Gökhan Yılmaz, Head of Housing and Urban Development Department of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

The team also met with Ms. Ayse Arkis, CEO of Ongemi Foreign Trade Import and Export company, to discuss Philippine food products, as part of the economic diplomacy program of the Embassy. END