Page 39 - 2017 KA'AKBAY January-June

39January to June
Philippine Consul General Meets with
US Congressman in New Jersey
The Philippine Consul General in New York Ma.
Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with US Congressman Donald
Norcross of the 1st District of New Jersey on 11 May 2017 in
Cherry Hill, New Jersey as part of the Consulate's series of
calls on US legislators under its jurisdiction.
Consul General Dizon-de Vega discussed the
developments in the Philippines including the country's
chairmanship of the ASEAN this year and the announced
participation of President Donald Turmp in the East Asia
Summit and the ASEAN-US Leaders' Summit to be hosted by
the Philippines in November.
Consul General Dizon-de Vega (right) presents a token from the Philippines to
Congressman Norcross (left) during their meeting on 11 May 2017 in Cherry Hill, met with New York City Commissioner for International
New Jersey.
(Continued from page 38)...Fil-Ams in NJ Holds Forum..
The speakers discussed the importance of participating in the
US political arena, starting with the local councils and
institutions. The speakers and the audience, both those at
the venue and online, exchanged ideas on the different
approaches to encourage members of the Fil-Am community
to actively and constructively participate in different political
activities and have their voices heard.
Philippine Consul General in New York Ma. Theresa
Dizon-de Vega shared the need to "incubate" and mentor
upcoming Fil-Am leaders who are inclined in governance to
train and prepare them for their future roles and maximize
their potential. She also emphasized the importance of
getting involved in local organizations and institutions like the
school and zoning boards.
The Consulate, in coordination with Filipino-
Americans politicians and community leaders, is slated to
conduct this year a follow-up Seminar on mentoring the
emerging generation of Filipino-Americans with an interest in
and potential for political advocacy and governance work.
The seminar likewise aims to educate the community on civic
and political systems and processes.
2017
Consul General Dizon-De Vega Meets on
Collaborative Projects with
New York Office for International Affairs
Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega with New York City
Commissioner for International Affairs Penny Abeywardena.
Philippine Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega
Affairs Penny Abeywardena and her team regarding
collaborative projects for the Filipino migrant community on
May 03, 2017 in New York.
Commissioner Abeywardena offered the assistance
of the New York Mayor’s Office for International Affairs in
partnering with different government agencies across
different areas of concern for the Filipino Migrant Community.
Consul General De Vega shared with Commissioner
Abeywardena projects in the pipeline for which assistance
from the New York Mayor’s office would be most welcome
such as an Information Session on Resource Availability for
the senior or ageing sector, awareness campaigns on
violence against women, and promoting entrepreneurship
among the Filipino migrant population.
The Office for International Affairs agreed to work
closely with the Consulate General in securing the
appropriate resource persons as well as materials for its
upcoming programs for various sectors.
The Consul General likewise thanked the New York
Mayor’s Office for providing resource speakers for its
continuing series of Know Your Rights Seminars on
immigration, labor, and other migration-related issues.
Consul General De Vega and Commissioner
Abeywardena will also work together with the New York
Mayor’s Office for possible onsite registration for the New
York City Identification card issued to all persons living in
New York City at the Philippine Center or other appropriate
venues.