21 June 2016 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing celebrated Philippine Independence Day by conducting a whole-day consular outreach mission in Kunming, Yunnan Province, and hosting a formal diplomatic reception in the evening on June 11.

The consular outreach mission resulted in the issuance of consular registration IDs, tax exemption certificates, the taking of fingerprints for NBI clearance, processing of passports and visas, and generally answering questions regarding consular matters.

During the reception, Consul General Olivia V. Palala expressed gratitude for the presence in the event of Chinese officials from the Foreign Affairs Office of Yunnan Province and the Yunnan China Chamber of International Commerce, members of the consular corps, Chinese businessmen and members of the Filipino community. Citing the theme for this year’s Independence Day celebration: Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan at Pagsulong, Consul General Palala briefly mentioned the accomplishments of the Aquino administration, particularly the progress it has made in the economic field.

It was the first time that the Consulate held a formal cocktail reception in Kunming and had a guest speaker from Manila in the person of Professor Felipe De Leon, Jr., Chairman of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.  The Filipino community in Kunming particularly appreciated the fact that the Philippine Consulate in Chongqing exerted efforts to bring such a cultural authority to them, which made the celebration even more significant. END