Press Release

THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN ROME JOINS KABABAYANS IN MALTA IN THEIR CELEBRATION OF THE 116TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY

On 15 June 2014, the Philippine Embassy in Rome, represented by Consul General Leila Lora-Santos and Mr. Marion Reyes, joined the celebration of the 116^th Philippine Independence Day in Sliema, Malta. The event was organized by the Filipino Overseas Contract Workers in Malta (FOCOWIM) led by its President, Ms. Mona Rogong, and coincided with FOCOWIM’s 8th Anniversary.

In her message, Consul General Lora-Santos informed the community of the efforts being undertaken by the Embassy to efficiently provide services to Filipinos in Malta, considering the recent change of jurisdiction over Malta from Tripoli PE to Rome PE. The Consul General congratulated the Filipino community, the largest non-EU migrant community in Malta, for their hard work and dedication which are recognized and appreciated by the people and government of Malta. A call for unity amongst the different Filipino associations was communicated, highlighting enhanced strength and influence in unity.

The Embassy likewise conducted registration for overseas voting at the sidelines of the Independence Day event, and successfully registered 138 new registrants during that week-end.  

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THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN ROME REACHES OUT TO FILIPINOS IN MALTA AND SUCCESSFULLY REGISTERS 300 NEW REGISTRANTS FOR OVERSEAS VOTING

A two-man Embassy team from the Philippine Embassy in Rome reached out to Filipinos in Malta (both land-based and sea-based) and successfully registered 300 new registrants for overseas voting. The team was led by Consul General Lora-Santos, joined by VRM Operator Mr. Marion Reyes then ATN Officer Antonio Balladolid.

In close coordination with community leaders, the Embassy team visited Filipinos in their workplaces (hotels, nursing homes, community centers) and private residences/flats. For sea-based Filipinos, the team secured the necessary clearances from port authorities to board the Yokohama Lines and visit the offices of the Virtuo Ferries for the sole purpose of registering their respective Filipino crew members.

The Embassy is grateful for the assistance provided to them by the Filipino associations in Malta such as the FOCOWIM (Filipino Overseas Contract Workers in Malta) ,  FilCom (The Filipino Community in Malta) and Simbahang Pilipino.  Mr. Paul Falzon of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) also played a key role in securing access to the various ports of Malta.

The Embassy assured our kababayans in Malta of further opportunities for registration up until 31 October 2015.