Filipino Community in Istanbul and the Marmara Region with OWWA, Embassy, and Consulate Team (Istanbul PCG Photo).
Istanbul, 17 June 2025– The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Lebanon, hosted a gathering to commemorate this year’s Migrant Workers’ Day for the Filipino Community in Istanbul and the Marmara Region on 15 June 2025 at the Hyatt Centric Levent, Istanbul. The event was graced by Philippine Ambassador to Turkiye Henry S. Bensurto, Jr.
The event coincided with the third Salu-Salo Kasama Ka at Konsulado, in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence as well as the 76th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Philippines and Türkiye. Approximately 120 members of the Filipino community, Embassy, OWWA, Consulate personnel, and guests participated in the event. Video messages from the President, the First Lady, and the Secretary were shown to commemorate Independence Day.
Ambassador Bensurto, in his keynote address, underscored the importance of valuing and taking pride in Filipino culture and identity. A special cake-cutting ceremony followed, led by Consul General Mananquil, Ambassador Bensurto and spouse, Madame Ann Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto, and OWWA Welfare Officer Windelyn Marquez.
As part of the Migrant Workers’ Day celebration, video messages from DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and newly appointed OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan were also shown. Consul Rachel Anne Oronce also provided an overview of the Consulate’s services, along with a preview of upcoming programs, initiatives, and events planned for the third and fourth quarters to support Filipinos in Türkiye.
The event featured performances from different Filipino community groups in Istanbul and a Bugtungan segment. Participants enjoyed Filipino dishes such as vegetable lumpia, rice cakes, and drinks in the colors of the Philippine flag.
As this event coincided with Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil’s last day at Istanbul PCG, she delivered her farewell remarks. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Filipino community, the Philippine Embassy team in Ankara, and the MWO and OWWA teams from Lebanon for their unwavering support and collaboration throughout her tenure. She emphasized the strong sense of unity and commitment within the Filipino community, noting that their valuable contributions played a key role in helping the Embassy and Consulate deliver quality services to Filipinos across Türkiye. END
Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. delivers his address as the Guest of Honor (Istanbul PCG photo).
OWWA Welfare Officer, Windelyn Marquez introduces the newly appointed OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan (Istanbul PCG photo).
From left to right: OWWA Welfare Officer, Windelyn Marquez, Madame Ann Mariza Sanchez-Bensurto, Consul General Shirlene Mananquil,, and Ambassador Henry Bensurto, Jr. lead the cake cutting ceremony (Istanbul PCG photo).
Filipino community members and guests during the Migrant Workers’ Day and Town Hall Meeting (Istanbul PCG photo).
Consul General Mananquil delivers her farewell remarks (Istanbul PCG Photo)
Different Filipino community Groups perform PH traditional song and dance (Istanbul PCG photo).
Istanbul PCG Team (Istanbul PCG photo).
Istanbul PCG personnel with Embassy and OWWA Team (Istanbul PCG photo).
