21 April 2016 - The Philippine Embassy in Canberra rendered consular services to a total of 650 consular clients in Darwin, Northern Territory and Adelaide, South Australia from April 04 to 05 and April 08 to 09, respectively.
Both Consular Missions were headed by Philippine Consul Jim B. San Agustin and included Mr. Carlomagno Estole, Mr. Ronaldo Pilapil and the Philippine Labor Attaché, Atty. Rodolfo Sabulao.
The Darwin Mission, with the support of the PH Honorary Consul General, Mr. Januario John Rivas and his wife Edna, attended to 269 Philippine ePassport applicants and administered the oath of allegiance to 22 applicants eligible to reacquire their Philippine citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003.
A number of Filipino Community leaders had the privilege of meeting Philippine Ambassador to Canberra Minda Calaguian-Cruz, who was in Darwin at that time upon the invitation of Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister Peter Styles to attend the Official Visit of the ASEAN Heads of Mission to Darwin.
On the other hand, with the support of PH Honorary Consul General Mark McBriarty, his wife Lee, and Filipino community volunteers, the Adelaide Consular Team assisted up to 376 Philippine ePassport applicants, and welcomed back 43 former Filipinos to the fold after taking their oath of allegiance to the Philippine flag in front of Consul San Agustin.
For both Missions, Atty. Rodolfo Sabulao was able to assist 92 Filipinos under various work permits, other temporary workers, and international students by giving them advice on workers’ rights and obligations under Australian law, as well as requirements for permanent residency. He also discussed the core programs and services of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) to OFWs.
During the Adelaide Mission, the Team had the opportunity to congratulate and send off the Philippine Army Dragon Warriors who won four gold medals and one silver at the 10th International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championship 2016 held on March 24 to April 07 in Adelaide. The team was headed by BGen. Joselito Reyes, and manager Lt. Col. Marlowe Patria. Another Philippine team, the Philippine Coastguard Dragon Warriors, hauled five golds, one silver and one bronze. END
