It was an occasion for the Filcom leaders to address their questions on Assistance-to-Nationals concerns to Undersecretary Jesus I. Yabes of the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs and services of the Consulate. H.E. Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes travelled from Rome to welcome the Undersecretary. He also shared his insights on how to address problems of Filipino community in Italy.

Undersecretary Yabes conveyed the Philippine Government’s commitment in protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of Filipinos overseas. He also emphasized the duty of the Department of Foreign Affairs to provide assistance to Filipinos-in-distress. Among the issues raised during the open forum include OWWA membership benefits, DFA assistance on the repatriation of the remains of Filipinos and request for more frequent mobile consular services.

Consul General Marichu Mauro welcomes the Filcom leaders and engages them to ask questions. Guests DFA Migrant Workers’ Affairs Undersecretary Jesus I. Yabes and Philippine Ambassador to Rome Virgilio A. Reyes join the panel.

Consul General Mauro also took the opportunity to meet the Filcom leaders for the first time and engage them to participate in upcoming meetings in line with the Consulate’s continuing commitment in providing quality service to all Filipinos under its jurisdiction.