PHL Consulate General in Xiamen Conducts Outreach Program with Filipino Community in Quanzhou, Jinjiang & Shishi Cities

The PCG Team in Xiamen led by Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores addresses the attendees during the open forum of the consular outreach program with the Filipino community in Jinjiang City and environs on September 17 at the SM Jinjiang Gymnasium in Jinjiang City

10 October 2017 XIAMEN - The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen conducted a FILCOM outreach program with an OV campaign at SM Jinjiang Gymnasium in Jinjiang City on September 17.

The activity targeted Filipinos who have married or have partners and have given birth in China. The activity also focused on the importance of obtaining proper documentation, including registration of marriage and reports of birth.

The topics on documentation including of Registrations of Marriage and Birth are timely and relevant since the Consulate General has encountered several cases of apprehended illegal migrants who entered into partnerships and who begot children, whom they intend to bring back with them to the Philippines but have no birth registration records.

In his brief opening remarks, Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores cited the importance of observing Chinese laws through proper documentation for the duration of the OFWs’ stay in China. Consul General Flores advised the OFWs to coordinate their documentation needs with the Consulate General for proper guidance. He also cautioned them on the use of social media particularly on the prevalence of fake news and information, and encouraged them to report any untoward development regarding their situation soonest to the Consulate General so immediate assistance could be extended.

Vice Consul Elaine Mae Laruan-Hernandez lectured on the requirements and procedures for Registration of Birth and/or Marriage, and application for passport renewal and Travel Document, as well as information on aspects in application for Exit Clearance (prior to repatriations). The lecture was conducted in Filipino with the view to provide the OFWs a better understanding of the documentation matters.

An engaging discussion followed during the open forum wherein Consul General Flores took the opportunity to emphasize to the attendees the importance of having proper birth records for the children of undocumented HSWs, who when apprehended by Chinese authorities will be repatriated back to the Philippines together with their children. 90% of the attendees were women with children who are undocumented and with no birth records and 10% were men who are husbands or partners of the undocumented Filipinos.

The Consulate General took this valuable opportunity to undertake other activities including issuance of consular IDs and OV registration for the Filipino community based in Jinjiang and environs. END

For more information, visit xiamenpcg.dfa.gov.ph.

Group photo of the FilCOM with the PCG team led by Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores