GOVPH

PCG-OWWA Webinar trains spotlight on mental health resiliency amidst Shanghai lockdown

Shanghai -- The Philippine Consulate General partnered with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for the conduct of the Webinar on Awareness Building and Advocacy for Mental Health Resiliency on 22 April for the benefit of Filipinos affected by the stringent citywide lockdown in Shanghai.

Resource speaker Dr. Edgardo N. SAMSON of the National Center for Mental Health shared expert advice on mental wellbeing strategies and tips in the face of the unique stresses and pressures arising from lockdowns. Dr. Samson thereafter engaged the 100 Webinar attendees in an interactive and informative dialogue and sharing of experiences.

Consul General Josel F. Ignacio opened the proceedings and underscored the value of mental health in the COVID-19 era, as affirmed by the World Health Organization. He encouraged the Filipino community to cultivate their strong sense of kapwà to surmount the lockdown’s challenges.

By recorded video, OWWA Deputy Administrator Arnaldo “Arnell” Ignacio extended words of encouragement and assurances of the OWWA’s readiness to assist OFWs in Shanghai.

Providing valuable support to the project were OWWA’s Policy and Program Development and OWWA officials Director Rosalia Susana S. Bahia-Catapang, Director Ma. Consolacion C. Marquez and Welfare Officer (Hong Kong) Virsie B. Tamayao. END

PCG raises Filipino concerns at ASEAN Missions’ dialogue with Foreign Affairs Office on lockdown

The Philippine Consulate General raised key lockdown concerns affecting Philippine nationals in Shanghai at the 20 April virtual dialogue convened by the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) with the Consuls General of ASEAN missions in the city.

Deputy Director General Fu Jihong presided, reporting that Shanghai as “getting closer” to its goal of dynamic case clearing, even as the situation remained “complex”.

First to speak among the Heads of Mission, Consul General Josel F. Ignacio conveyed a number of requests, among them:

• Prompt notification of the Consulate General of COVID19-positive Filipinos due, including those taken, or due to be taken, to quarantine.
• COVID-positive Filipinos being brought only to facilities that meet international hygiene, sanitation and water standards, and that assure Filipinos of decent care.
• Further easing of restrictions on food stores and delivery services for improved access to food and essentials
• Relaxation of lockdown restrictions on Consulates and diplomats to allow performance of key mandates and assistance to nationals.
• Gradual re-opening of businesses and enterprises, where safe and possible, to end income disruption.

Consul General Ignacio acknowledged the strenuous efforts of the Shanghai government to contain the ongoing epidemic and steer the city back to normalcy. He thanked the FAO for its active cooperation with the Consulate General on lockdown issues and matters of crucial to the welfare of Philippine nationals.

The Consuls General of Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam seconded many of the points raised by the Philippines. The FAO affirmed its commitment to working with consular missions toward joint problem solving. END.

PCG, OWWA hold videoconference on situation of Filipinos amidst Shanghai lockdown

Shanghai, 12 April 2022 – The Philippine Consulate General held a videoconference today with top officials of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to further ongoing discussions on the COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai and assisting Filipinos amidst the resulting challenges.

OWWA Deputy Administrator Arnell Ignacio led the OWWA Team at the virtual consultations. Joining him were Director Rosalia Susana S. Bahia-Catapang,  Director Ma. Consolacion C. Marquez and Welfare Officer Virsie B. Tamayao.

Consul General Josel F. Ignacio spearheaded the Consulate General, supported by Deputy Consul General Marlowe A. Miranda, Consul Conrado B. Demdem, Jr., Finance Officer Cherry Ann F. Belmonte-Banda, ATN Officer Ella Cecilia P. Acena, and Consular Attachés Mark Anthony Z. Geguera, Joel M. Mariñas, and Jennifer M. Ranches.

A situation briefing by the Consulate General kicked off the proceedings. Extensive discussions ensued on the difficulties being encountered by Filipino nationals and on modalities of assistance.

OWWA Deputy Administrator Ignacio thanked the Consulate General for its efforts and extended assurances of the agency’s readiness to assist Filipinos in Shanghai. Both sides agreed to expeditiously make progress on the modalities considered.

Shanghai’s total lockdown started out as a phased scheme on 28 March. The Shanghai Municipal People’s Government has been doubling efforts to attend to city residents’ concerns, especially access to essential supplies. As the lockdown entered its third week, the city is gearing up to shift to a “differentiated management approach” that localizes strictures to specific areas, categorizing these either as “locked down”, “controlled” or “precautionary”, based on mass screening outcomes.

The Consulate General’s consultations with OWWA is part of a continuing effort. On 31 March, the Consulate General gave a briefing to the Office of Migrant Workers Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA-OMWA) on supporting Filipinos during the lockdown.

There are an estimated 4,000 Filipinos in Shanghai. END.