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.