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.