PRESS RELEASE
WDC-01-2025
02 January 2025
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC began the new year with a historic moment as a 100-year-old woman became the first dual citizen of 2025, reacquiring her Philippine citizenship.
Joined by her family, Mrs. Loreto Noguera proudly took her oath of allegiance that was administered by Consul Barbie Rosales. Her milestone not only celebrates her personal journey but also underscores the deep and enduring connection many Filipinos in the United States feel towards their homeland.
“It is such a special way to start the new year by assisting our kababayan in such a meaningful moment,” said Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez. “Mrs. Noguera’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining strong ties to our Filipino heritage.”
The Dual Citizenship Law (Republic Act 9225) allows natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country to retain their Philippine citizenship, granting them the rights and privileges of being Filipino citizens while also keeping their foreign citizenship.
In 2024, the Embassy approved 3,235 dual citizenship applications, the highest number in its history. This highlights the growing interest among Filipinos in the United States to maintain their ties with the Philippines while embracing their US citizenship.
The Embassy remains committed to supporting the Filipino and Filipino-American community and looks forward to more milestones that celebrate the unique journeys of Filipino nationals abroad.
For more information on how to become a dual citizen, please visit the Embassy’s website philippineembassy-dc.org or email consular@phembassy-us.org. END