Friday, October 31, 2008

January 26, 2008

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/78113/Consulate-in-Jeddah-seeks-close-partnership-with-OFWs

Consulate in Jeddah seeks close partnership with OFWs
01/26/2008 04:46 PM

Philippine consul general to Jeddah Ezzedin Tago met with representatives of Filipino communities Friday to establish close partnership for effective consular services.

"We are not able to do everything; we are not Superman so we wish for your help and cooperation," Tago told leaders of Filipino communities during the meeting.

Over a hundred Filipino workers belonging to various groups in Jeddah attended the meeting.Tago asked expatriates to give feedback to improve the foreign post’s services. Philippine foreign mission officials who attended the meeting were Consul Jacob, Labor Attaché Bulyok Nilong,

Haj Attaché Sol Mutya, Asst. Labor Attaché Adam Mussa and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration officer Romeo Pablo.According to Tago, the discussions focused on problems encountered by OFWs, especially those who are in distress.He announced some enhancements in the consulate’s services, which he initiated since he assumed his post.Tago, who took over the Jeddah post from Consul General Pendosina N. Lomondot upon his arrival on Dec. 22, has listed down changes to ensure effective delivery of services to Filipinos there.

The official presented his consular commission on Jan. 1 to Ambassador Mohamed El-Tayeb, director general of Makkah Mukarama branch of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.He said that to add more accountability and transparency he will require their staff to wear an ID with a clear and printed name on it so that the OFWs would become familiar with the consulate’s staffmembers.

To enhance communication, the consulate has added new telephone lines to be made available soon, especially to those who are in need of help.According to him, the consulate will put up a hot line where the OFWs can communicate by calling or by sending text messages 24 hours a day in case of emergency.

The consulate has adopted the so-called community approach, characterized by consultations and discussions sessions.During the meeting on Friday, Tago welcomed comments, suggestions, complaints and recommendations from participating communities.

The Filipino groups present during the meeting were Bag-ong Bicol Saro, KASAPI Congress, Circulo Ilongo, Overseas Filipino Cooperative Council, Sining Likas sa Silangan art movement, Treskillion Alumni Organization and Filipino Community. "I'm quite optimistic about the views of the community leaders and I'm looking forward to meeting them again regularly so they can address their other concern,"

Tago said in a separate interview."We are trying to address the issues that were brought up either by immediate action or by referring those to Manila, especially with problems that have to doe with policies," he said.

He added that he expects more meetings in the future to deepen interaction with Filipinos communities for better cooperation and service. - Bong Concha, GMAnews.TV

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