Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul Successfully Hosts Inaugural Migrant Workers’ Day and Town Hall Meeting

Details: Published: 05 July 2024

Filipino Community in Istanbul and the Marmara Region with MWO, OWWA and Consulate Team (Istanbul PCG Photo).

Istanbul, Türkiye 30 June 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), proudly hosted the inaugural Migrant Workers’ Day and Town Hall Meeting for the Filipino community in Istanbul and the Marmara Region on 30 June 2024 at the Hyatt Centric Levent, Istanbul. This significant event marked OWWA Administrator Arnaldo “Arnell” Ignacio’s first visit to Istanbul, where he met with overseas Filipino workers, primarily household service workers, under the jurisdiction of the Consulate.

The event, attended by approximately 160 members of the Filipino community, Embassy and Consulate personnel, and special guests, coincided with the second “Salu-Salo Kasama Ka at Konsulado,” celebrating the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Türkiye. Video messages from the President and the Secretary were shown to commemorate Independence Day.

Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil, in her welcome remarks, expressed gratitude to the Filipino community, the Philippine Embassy in Ankara led by Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto, Jr., and the MWO and OWWA team from Lebanon for their presence. She highlighted the unity and dedication of the Filipino community and acknowledged their contributions in making the event possible. Consul General Mananquil also highlighted that this event is a tribute to the hardworking Filipino workers who are advocates of our rich culture and heritage.

Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto, Jr., in his keynote address, emphasized the importance of Filipinos taking pride in their heritage and encouraged the community to view their work as a vocation. “Try to be the best Filipino as you can be because in everything you do, you carry the flag of the Philippines… sa inyong mga balikat dinadala po ninyo ang watawat ng Pilipinas”, said the Ambassador.

Ambassador Bensurto also shared details of the Independence Day activities jointly conducted by the Embassy and the Consulate, and presented a music video of the "Spark, Connect, Empower" song to inspire the attendees. A special cake-cutting ceremony followed, led by Consul General Mananquil, Ambassador Bensurto, and OWWA Administrator Ignacio.

The afternoon town hall meeting featured a presentation by Vice Consul Maika Ros B. Fontelera on the Consulate's ATN work, and upcoming activities and projects for the benefit of Filipinos in Türkiye. OWWA Administrator Ignacio discussed various OWWA programs and services, including scholarship grants, repatriation programs, and the 24/7 OWWA hotline. The Filipino community engaged in a fruitful discussion with the officials present, expressing appreciation for the conduct of the Migrant Worker’s Day and Town Hall Meeting.

The event also included performances by Filipino community groups in Istanbul, a Bugtungan segment, and a feast of Filipino dishes and delicacies. Drinks in the colors of the Philippine flag were served as a tribute to Philippine Independence Day. At the end of the Town Hall Meeting, the Administrator serenaded the crowd with a tagalog song together with one of the Filipina attendees, Ms. Carmi Martin. END

Consul General Mananquil delivers her welcome remarks (Istanbul PCG Photo)

Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. delivers his address as the Guest of Honor (Istanbul PCG photo).

OWWA Administrator Arnaldo “Arnell” Ignacio facilitates the town hall meeting with the Filipino community (Istanbul PCG photo).

From left to right: Consul General Mananquil, OWWA Administrator Ignacio, and Ambassador Bensurto lead the cake cutting ceremony (Istanbul PCG photo).

Vice Consul Maika Ros B. Fontelera gives a presentation on the Consulate's completed ATN work and upcoming activities (Istanbul PCG photo).

Filipino community members and guests during the Migrant Workers’ Day and Town Hall Meeting (Istanbul PCG photo).

From left to right: OWWA Director Rosalia Catapang, OWWA Administrator Arnaldo Ignacio, Madame Mariza Bensurto, Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. and Consulate General Shirlene C. Mananquil during the event (Istanbul PCG photo).