05 April 2016 - The Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago held its “Ika-16 Pagkikita sa Konsulado” to observe the 12th Women’s with Disabilities Day on March 31 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Consulate General. The event was immediately followed by an Education Forum for overseas voters to present the proposed platforms of governance of the presidential and vice presidential candidates and encourage informed participation in the Philippine electoral exercise.
The program started with a video message of the United Nations (UN) Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka where she highlighted the goals of the organization in achieving gender equality aiming at ending discrimination and violence against women. It was followed by a presentation of Ms. Fulani Thrasher, Community Organizer of the Access Living Chicago and author of “Take Charge,” who spoke about reproductive health and the challenges faced by women with disabilities.
The second part of the program consisted of the overseas voters’ education forum facilitated by Deputy Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr. Video messages from participating presidential and vice presidential candidates were shown, followed by video presentations on the Automated Election System to be implemented by the Consulate General under a mixed voting modality of postal and personal voting. Instructions on how the ballots are accomplished and cast were also discussed. A number of participants expressiED their interest in the new system during the Q and A portion of the program.
Consul General Generoso DG Calonge, in his message, called on the Filipino-American community to take advantage of the freedom and democracy that they enjoy to exercise their right of suffrage in the upcoming overseas voting from April 09– May 09 2016.
Photo opportunities and a light reception capped the evening’s event. END