02 May 2016 - A team from the Embassy of the Philippines in Ankara, Turkey conducted a Consular Mission in Istanbul on April 24 at Lazzoni Hotel, Beyoğlu, Istanbul for its monthly consular mission and OV Mission for the national elections of May 2016.

The team provided consular services to 218 Filipinos in Istanbul. Post processed 25 e-passport applications, two replacements of lost passport, 11 notarials/authentications, two reports of marriage, two reports of birth, two travel documents, two NBI applications and 15 applications for Embassy ID registrations for Filipinos and solemnized two weddings. Post also released 2 new e-passports and 15 Embassy ID registrations for Filipinos during the day. 11 Filipinos were rendered assistance on ATN matters, and 10 were given various consular advice.

Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez visited the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Harbiye, Istanbul to announce the ongoing conduct of Overseas Voting, while Minister and Consul General Robert Ferrer visited the Protestant/Evangelical Jesus Christ the Savior Church in Sariyer, Istanbul to do the same.

On the sidelines of the consular mission, 84 Filipinos submitted their accomplished ballots for the national elections in May. The team was also able to visit in Tuzla Port, Istanbul to collect OV ballots from Filipino seafarers.

The team also met with 18 Filipino students in Istanbul led by Mr. Yassen Ala and Mr. Ridwan Landasan, both from Fatih University, who presented a proposal for a graduation dinner in recognition of ten graduating Filipino students in May 2016. END