GOVPH

New PDOT Shanghai Tourism Attaché calls on Acting Head of Post

SHANGHAI, 02 April 2025 – Newly arrived Philippine Department of Tourism Office, Shanghai (PDOT-Shanghai) Tourism Attaché Francisco Hilario M. Lardizabal called on Acting Head of Office Consul John Francis S. Herrera, initiating dialogue and outlining his overall plans and strategies to create the tourism pull needed to draw more Chinese toursits to the Philippines.

Tourism Attaché Lardizabal  noted the great potential that the Chinese market has to boost tourism arrivals and is particularly keen on tapping the millenial and Gen Z crowd in China, who form an untapped sweetspot, possessing the spending power and desire for wanderlust.

Consul Herrera assured Tourism Attaché Lardizabal Post’s usual continued cooperation and assistance in supporting the initiatives and activities of PDOT-Shanghai in support of Philippine tourism. END

Pinoy Teachers Association in Shanghai installs new set of officers

SHANGHAI, 30 March 2025 – The Pinoy Teachers Association in Shanghai (PITAS) held their turn-over ceremony and oath-taking of its new set of officers at the Sinan Mansions, Shanghai on 30 March 2025, attended by PITAS members and guest community leaders representing other Filipino organization in Shanghai.

Forming the core of the new PITAS leadership, Chairperson Agrix Neri Go, Internal Vice Chairman Harold Valencia, External Vice Chairperson Rhaziel Dominica Pesebre and Secretary Ann Viviene Gumangan, were sworn in by Acting Head of Post Consul John Francis S. Herrera, together with the complete roster of new PITAS officers, including those who joined online.   

PITAS founder Mr. Richard “Rusty” Anota thanked the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai for providing the inspiration to establish the educators’ organization back in 2019 through the encouragement of then Consul General Wilfredo R. Cuyugan. PITAS has since grown into a dynamic and highly regarded Filipino organization in Shanghai, representing the common goals and interests of its member educators.

Outgoing Chairperson Chabeli Jill Hilasque, who served in that leadership role since September 2021, congratulated the new set of officers and expressed her confidence and conviction that PITAS will remain a guiding force in representing Filipinos as trusted providers of quality education in China. END

PCG highlights women’s health and work-life balance on women’s Month

SHANGHAI – The Consulate General joined other Philippine overseas missions across the globe in marking National Women’s Month with activities to raise awareness of women’s issues and empowerment, this time with a Yoga session.

Conducted by professional Yoga and Pilates instructor Ms. Nicole Chick, the yoga session on 21 March led PCG personnel through basic postures (“asana”) and breathing exercises (“pranayama”) and meditations.

Ms. Chick is a registered Yoga teacher accredited by the American Yoga Alliance.

Altogether, participating PCG personnel found the activity to yield many of Yoga’s known benefits, such as flexibility, mental calm, reduced stress, and quieting of thoughts.

Above all, the session reinforced the value of practical initiatives to promote health as a key aspect of women’s empowerment and the drive toward gender equality.

This year’s Women’s Month Celebration has the theme: “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas”. It is a nod to the core objective of Republic Act 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women—to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Women’s Month 2025 is particularly significant as it coincides with other milestones in the pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment. These include the 50^th anniversary of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the 30^th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), and the 45^th year of the Philippines’ signing of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). END