PRESS RELEASE
WDC-11-2026
19 March 2026
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a meaningful celebration of National Women’s Month, the Philippine Embassy successfully concluded its Special Saturday Service for women on 14 March 2026.
A total of 50 women took part in the special event dedicated to making essential government services more accessible to women who may face challenges visiting the Embassy on regular weekdays due to work, caregiving responsibilities, or other commitments.
In one visit, they were able to reacquire their Philippine citizenship, apply for their passports, register as overseas voters, and report their marriage and their children’s births. By the end of the day, the Embassy’s consular team processed 34 passport applications, 30 dual citizenship petitions, 25 overseas voter registrations, 30 notarizations, and 4 civil registry documents.
Consul Barbie Rosales administered the oath of allegiance of the 30 dual citizens and briefed them not only on the benefits of Philippine citizenship, but also other vital services relevant to women. These included procedures for reporting their marriages and the births of their children, guidance on immigrant visa options for their foreign spouses, and information on their right to retain or revert to their maiden name on their Philippine passports.
In his message during the oath taking ceremony of new dual citizens, Deputy Chief of Mission Felipe Cariño III highlighted the Philippine government’s strong commitment to advancing the rights of women and celebrated the invaluable contributions of Filipino women in the Philippines and the United States.
“This activity of the Consular Section recognizes the vital role women play in their families and communities,” Mr. Cariño said. “We aim to support women’s empowerment by ensuring they can conveniently obtain passports, dual citizenship, and other consular services.”
The special event was met with a positive reception from clients, who expressed appreciation for the convenience and for making them feel supported during National Women’s Month. “What truly stood out was their initiative to open on a Saturday specifically for women, given that they are only open on weekdays,” said one mother who availed herself of the Embassy’s services. “This thoughtful effort speaks volumes about their commitment to serving the community.”
This initiative is part of the Consular Section’s broader commitment to gender inclusivity and empowerment, in line with the 2026 National Women’s Month theme: “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”
For more information on the Embassy’s services, please visit philippineembassy-dc.org.
