OFW CONCERNS HEARD AT JAMAICA TOWNHALL DURING CONSULAR OUTREACH

PRESS RELEASE

WDC-37-2025

15 May 2025

Embassy Press and Information Section

info@phembassy-us.org

On 30 April 2025, the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC engaged in a fruitful town hall meeting with the Filipino community on the sidelines of the two-day consular outreach mission in Kingston, Jamaica.

The town hall, held in partnership with Honorary Consul in Kingston Mr. Keith Russell, provided a platform for open dialogue between the Embassy and the Filipino community.

During the event, Consul Barbie Rosales updated the community on various programs of the Embassy and addressed pressing questions from the community. She also conveyed the assurances of Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez of his unwavering commitment to promote and protect the interests of Filipinos living and working in Jamaica. 

Labor Attaché Saul De Vries and Welfare Office Mae Codilla, who joined virtually, provided guidance on how to access services provided by the Migrant Workers Office, such as contract verification and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) membership.

The community shared their concerns on a range of issues they face, including access to Philippine government services and labor conditions in Jamaica. They expressed appreciation for the consular outreach mission and the opportunity to directly engage with Embassy officials. In response, Consul Rosales further guided them on how they can stay connected with the Embassy despite geographical distance to ensure ongoing engagement.

From 30 April to 01 May 2025, the Embassy’s consular team processed 3 dual citizenship petitions, 15 passport applications, 10 notarized documents, and 10 civil registry reports. 

For more information on consular services and upcoming outreach missions, please visit the Embassy’s website philippineembassy-dc.org or email consular@phembassy-us.org. ###