The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen conducted a FILCOM outreach program cum OV campaign on 17 September 2017 at SM Jinjiang Gymnasium in Jinjiang City as part of its contribution to the relevant provisions of the Migrant Worker’s Act, the Philippine Government’s Gender and Development (GAD) Program and its mandate to assist and guide Filipinos who stayed or worked illegally in China, especially in Fujian province. The activity targeted Filipinos who have married or have partners and have given birth in China. The activity also focused on the importance of obtaining proper documentation, including registration of marriage and reports of birth.

The topics on documentation including of Registrations of Marriage and Birth are timely and relevant since the Consulate General has encountered several cases of apprehended illegal migrants who entered into partnerships and who beget children, whom they intend to bring back with them to the Philippines but have no birth registration records.

In his brief opening remarks, Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores cited the importance of observing Chinese laws through proper documentation for the duration of the OFWs’ stay in China. Consul General Flores advised the OFWs to coordinate their documentation needs with the Consulate General for proper guidance. He also cautioned them on the use of social media particularly on the prevalence of fake news and information, and encouraged them to report any untoward development regarding their situation soonest to the Consulate General so immediate assistance could be extended.

Vice Consul Elaine Mae Laruan-Hernandez lectured on the requirements and procedures for Registration of Birth and/or Marriage, and application for passport renewal and Travel Document, as well as information on aspects in application for Exit Clearance (prior to repatriations). The lecture was conducted in Filipino with the view to provide the OFWs a better understanding of the documentation matters.

An engaging discussion followed during the open forum wherein Consul General Flores took the opportunity to emphasize to the attendees the importance of having proper birth records for the children of undocumented HSWs, who when apprehended by Chinese authorities will be repatriated back to the Philippines together with their children. 90% of the attendees were women with children who are undocumented and with no birth records and 10% were men who are husbands or partners of the undocumented Filipinos.

The Consulate General took this valuable opportunity to undertake other activities including issuance of consular IDs and OV registration for the Filipino community based in Jinjiang and environs.

For more information, visit www.dfa.gov.ph, www.facebok.com/dfaphl and @dfaphl on Twitter. END