Press Release No. 08-2018

CONSUL GENERAL BADAJOS REAFFIRMS GOV’T’S SUPPORT FOR OFWS IN MEETING WITH FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN JEDDAH

03 March 2018 – Consul General Edgar B. Badajos strongly reaffirmed the Philippine government’s support for OFWs in a well-attended meeting with leaders of the Filipino community (Filcom) in Jeddah and nearby areas at the community hall of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah on 23 February 2018. More than 100 Filcom leaders representing professional, sports, martial arts, fraternity, regional, media and advocacy groups attended the meeting.

Consul General Badajos addressing members of the Filipino community in Jeddah

In his message, Consul General Badajos assured the Filcom that the Philippine government is determined more than ever to assist OFWs, especially those who are in distress. “Proof of our government’s commitment is the increase in the Assistance to Nationals Fund (ATN) from Four Hundred Million to One Billion pesos, and the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) from One Hundred Million to Four Hundred Million pesos,” the Consul General said. He added that the increase in both funds places the Philippine Embassies and Consulates worldwide in a better position to provide timely, effective, and assistance to Overseas Filipinos.

As the new Philippine Consul General to Jeddah, which has consular jurisdiction over 7 provinces in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia, Consul General Badajos also conveyed his intention to continue the close partnership between the Consulate and Filcom, especially in addressing the concerns of distressed OFWs in the Western Region and promoting the interest of the Philippines. “We ask for your support. Help us in serving the Filipinos under our jurisdiction. We magnify our strength, our power and our ability to serve through you, through your assistance, through your spirit of volunteerism” Consul General Badajos said to the attendees.

Consul General Badajos fields questions from Filcom media in Jeddah

Consul General Badajos further called on Filcom to unite in helping one another and to strive to create “a neighborhood of care. Each time, starting today when we meet another OFW whether in the malls, the workplace, at school or in our immediate neighborhood…let us talk to that fellow OFW as though that person is the most important person in the neighborhood. Let us make that person feel that he or she belongs to a great community; that we will be there for him in good times and in bad. If we can create this neighborhood of care, then we will be stronger, we will be better able to promote the welfare of our community and country,” Consul General Badajos said.

The Consul General also bared his plan to conduct a quarterly orientation seminar for newly-arrived OFWs. Aside from Consulate Officials, the orientation seminar will also involve Saudi authorities who will talk about the rules and regulations in the Kingdom; a free legal clinic by a Saudi lawyer; and a sharing of experiences by members of the Filcom.

During the open forum, the Filcom leaders welcomed Consul General Badajos as the new head of the Philippine Consulate General. They also shared their views on the present issues and concerns affecting Filipinos in the Kingdom and recommendations on further improving the services of the Consulate. Consul General Badajos said that his office is always open to continue the dialogue with Filcom.

A simple salu-salo capped the meeting. Consulate officials, including POLO/OWWA-Jeddah and other attached agencies, joined Consul General Badajos during the meeting. END