Consulates in NY, Macau begin issuing ePassports

Filipinos in New York (NY) and Macau can now apply for Philippine electronic passports (ePassports) at the Philippine Consulate in their areas, according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) news.

The first batch of applicants in NY received their ePassports last July 21. Meanwhile, the Consulate in Macau has launched a massive information campaign to make the Filipino community aware of the new features and advantages of the ePassport. Read more

Filipinos are living relatively well in Haiti

Six months after the earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince in Haiti, the 400-plus Filipinos living and working there are safe and are living relatively well, according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) news.

An embassy team headed by Philippine Ambassador MacArthur F Corsino went on a six-day visit to Port-au-Prince and Santo Domingo to look into the security, welfare, accommodations and job situation of Filipinos in Haiti. Read more

Intl group to offer more scholarships in seafarer training

The International Maritime Employers’ Committee, Limited (IMEC) plans to increase its Filipino scholars from 500 to over 1,000 in the next two years, according to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) news.

IMEC is one of the world’s largest organizations of maritime employers. DOLE has cited IMEC for the support it gives Filipino seafarers, which include training opportunities and negotiations to ensure their welfare and good working conditions. Read more

OFWs should leave Iraq by August 9 — US

The United States (US) military ordered contractors that hired foreigners in military camps in Iraq to repatriate people from countries that ban deployment to Iraq by August 9.

Among those who should leave by the deadline include about 6,000 Filipinos, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer report. Read more

RP gets 2 silver, 3 bronze medals in ASEAN School Games

Filipino students won two silver and three bronze medals in the 2nd ASEAN School Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 13-21, according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) news.

The Philippines won silver medals in javelin throw and in the boys doubles category in badminton. Meanwhile, the bronze medals were won in boys and girls basketball categories, and in the team badminton category. Read more

UN awards 115 Filipino peacekeepers in Liberia

The United Nations (UN) honored 115 Filipino peacekeepers serving in Liberia, praising the Philippines for its commitment to advance global peace and security.

According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) news, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) Ellen Margrethe Loj awarded the Filipinos in ceremonies held in Monrovia. Read more

New RP ambassador to Brazil

Philippine Ambassador Eva Betita presented her credentials to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on July 13, according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) news.

President Lula and the new ambassador discussed ways to strengthen Philippine-Brazil relations, including the importance of enhancing bilateral trade. Read more

Germany tests anti-job discrimination scheme

Five large companies in Germany, including Proctor & Gamble and L’Oreal, will screen anonymous job applications for a year to test a means of avoiding discrimination and diversifying the German workforce.

According to a Deutsche Welle report, the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency said that applicants with minority backgrounds are less likely considered for a position because of prejudice and poor management. Read more

UST Singers win in Spain

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Singers won the top prizes in the choir competition at the 28th International Music Festival, which was held on July 16-18 in Cantonigròs in Catalonia, Spain.

Earlier this year, the group also reaped awards in international choral competitions in Wales, Ireland and Poland. Read more

OFWs bound for Haiti, Macau, China warned against illegal recruiters

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warns against illegal recruiters promising non-existent jobs in Haiti, Macau and China.

According to DFA news, two Filipinos who arrived in Haiti on May 23 are suspected to be among 15 Filipinos victimized by the same recruiter. Read more

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