---

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN AGANA COMPLETES CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION TO KOROR, PALAU

02 July 2014 – The Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam successfully completed a consular outreach mission to Koror, Palau that was held from June 26 to 29 at the Board Room of the Palasia Palau Hotel. This is the third consular outreach mission to Koror since the Consulate General assumed consular jurisdiction over Palau following the closure of the Philippine Embassy in 2012.

Consul Mark Francis C. Hamoy led the six-person contingent from the Consulate General, which included Messrs. Francisco C. Magno and Allan Tangayan (e-Passports), Ms. Mildred C. Sayurin (other consular services), Ms. Emerita G. Marquez (collecting officer), and Mr. Bonifacio A. Hilongo (voter registration and assistance-to-nationals).

The consular team was able to process a total of 331 e-Passport applications for Filipinos in Palau, with an additional 95 consular services rendered, including civil registration and legalization of documents. The consular team was also assisted in their mission by The Filipino Community in Palau (TFCP) and Ms. Eva Ruth Blesam, assistant of Philippine Honorary Consul in Palau Eric Ksau Whipps.

The Consulate General noted that there were at least 79 more e-Passport applicants who could not be accommodated due to capacity constraints, but the unserved individuals will be prioritized for the next consular outreach mission to Palau that should be scheduled either towards the end of 2014 or by the first quarter of 2015.

---

APALIT ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES FEAST OF SAINT PETER IN GUAM

01 July 2014 - The Apalit Association of Guam celebrated the feast of St. Peter, the patron saint of Apalit town in Pampanga, in Filipino style and flavor on June 29.

The celebration’s main highlight was a Mass held at the Gov. Joseph E. Flores Memorial Park, also known as Ypao Beach Park in Tumon, a tourist area in Guam. The Archbishop of Agana, Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron, officiated the Mass which was attended by members of the Apalit Association of Guam, El Shaddai community, representatives of other Filipino organizations, local people and tourists. This was followed by a fluvial procession in Tumon bay, which featured a life-size statue of St. Peter and was watched with delight by the tourists in the beach.  A sumptuous lunch prepared by the officers and members of the association was enjoyed after the procession.

Apalit Association President Ignacio Mercado expressed appreciation to Archbishop Apuron, the Philippine Consulate General in Agana and all their supporters for the cooperation and support they have extended to make this annual celebration a success.

Acting Head of Post and Consul Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian received a plaque of appreciation on behalf of Consul General Bayani V. Mangibin. In his message, Consul Auxilian thanked the Apalit Association for sharing this colorful and meaningful Filipino religious tradition to the community in Guam and encouraged everyone to remain united and strong in faith in facing life’s challenges.

The event was also attended by Senator Rory Respicio and Senator Frank Aguon of the 32^nd Guam Legislature. Senator Respicio presented a resolution from the 32^nd Guam Legislature, on behalf of Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr., sponsor of the said resolution, commending Mr. Mercado and the Apalit Association.