GOVPH

Consulate's RERB holds meeting on 17 April 2023

The Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) at the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai held its scheduled meeting on 17 April 2023 (Monday).

Eight (8) applications for registration were reviewed by the RERB which, taking into consideration that no objections were raised against their applications for registration and seeing no reason to raise their own objections, approved the same.

The following is the list of Filipinos whose applications for registration to vote during the 2025 Midterm Elections were approved:

FILSBA badminton tourney serves up camaraderie among Shanghai Pinoys, Expats

Shanghai, 15 April – Amid an intense display of racket skills and grace, camaraderie reigned supreme at the Spring Tournament 2023 of the Filipinos in Shanghai Badminton Association (FILSBA) held at the DC Badminton Hall in Qingpu District.

Helmed by the FILSBA leadership under its President Nicol A. Francisquete and Vice President Sandi Esther G. Agustin, the Tournament made a successful comeback after COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns across China forced a hiatus.

Joining Filipino expatriates were local Chinese players, as well as participants from Europe, the US, Indonesia, and others.

Consul General Josel F. Ignacio formally opened the half-day Tournament. “Badminton is one of the world’s most popular sports, and this tournament is emblematic of the ascent of the global Filipino, who fulfills duty to the motherland while elevating the profile of our country and people,” he said as he congratulated FILSBA and the players.

Also at the Tournament were badminton players from the PCG’s ranks, Attachés Jeannie F. Petrola, Jennifer M. Ranches and Angela E. Lopez, who regularly take part in FILSBA’s weekly non-competitive drop-in games and who assisted in officiating the matches. END

Chinese group tour travel to PH resumes after three years

First Post-Pandemic Tour Group Visa issued in Shanghai

14 April – Inbound Chinese tourism into the Philippines took another step towards recovering pre-pandemic levels with the issuance of the first group visa for a Chinese package tour group at the Consulate General in Shanghai, on 14 April 2023.

The Tour Group shall be traveling to a Philippine beach destination later this month.

The issuance marks an important milestone in outbound Chinese travel to the Philippines. China relaxed three-years of COVID19-related restrictions on inbound-outbound travel on 08 January, and took a further step on 06 February with the resumption of outbound group tours.

Philippine consular offices across China opened their doors to Tour Group visa applications on 10 April, observing a three-working day turnaround time. The first application in Shanghai was filed on 11 April.

Until this week, had only been accepting individual visa applications.

Consul General Josel F. Ignacio, Consul John Francis S. Herrera, and DOT Shanghai Administrative Officer Warren S. Palacio witnessed the release of the visa to the travel agency representative. 

“Our Consulate General fully supports our country’s tourism goals vis-à-vis the Chinese market, which has been an important driver of inbound arrivals prior to the pandemic”, said Consul General Ignacio.

Only Travel Agencies duly accredited with the Consulate General may submit Tour Group Visa applications. These agencies must be accredited by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), must have a subsisting Cooperation Agreement with a DOT-accredited Philippine tour operator, and must be endorsed both by the DOT and the DFA. END