PCGNY.net | News Release

New York Consulate conducts consular outreach in Southern New Jersey

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE - NEWS RELEASE
03 April 2007

NEW YORK --- Deputy Consul General Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek reported to the Department that a consular team led by Consul Millicent Cruz-Paredes conducted an outreach program in Stratford, New Jersey, on March 31 in coordination with the Philippine Community of Southern New Jersey, Incorporated (PCSNJ), headed by its president Dr. Arelyne Pacho-Ramos.

The Filipino-American community enthusiastically received the team, which promptly proceeded to render passport and legalization services. The team also conducted an information meeting. During the meeting, Consul Paredes stated, among others, that the outreach program was government’s way of bringing itself closer to the people especially those who live far relative to the Consulate General’s main office in Manhattan. She gave a power-point presentation on dual citizenship, which is proving to be a “best-seller” of sorts among members of the Filipino community. More and more former Filipino citizens are applying for dual citizenship. The reason often given by applicants is that they eventually want to retire in the Philippines and will only do so as Filipino citizens once again. Consul Paredes also invited community members to join the Third Ambassador’s and Consuls General’s Tour to the Philippines, which is slated in July 2007.

While the outreach was going on, the officers and members of PCSNJ held a separate meeting on their various socio-civic activities. One of these programs is a nutrition program for underprivileged children in the Philippines. PCSNJ also handed a check-donation worth $250.00 for Gawad Kalinga to Consul Paredes.

The outreach program was held at the Filipino-community-owned Philippine Center in Stratford, New Jersey.