Page 36 - 2017 JAN-JUN - KAAKBAY

36 January to June
2017

Philippine Consulate Holds Discussion Forum with DSWD
Undersecretary Malou Turalde-Jarabe
properties in conflict Areas.

Ms. Potri Ranka Manis, a Filipino Community leader
who herself is from Marawi City, appealed for greater
understanding and awareness of the conditions in Marawi.

The participants, mostly from various advocacy and
progressive groups such as
MIGRANTE-NY, ANAKBAYAN
-NY, Pag-Asa SFI, NAFCON, I
Am Pinoy, Proud Ako, and
media practitioners likewise
conveyed their expression of
Forum participants listen to the presentation by Usec. Turalde-Jarabe
support for the confirmation
and initiatives of DSWD
The Philippine Consulate General in New York, Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo. Congen Theresa Dizon-De Vega wel-
hosted a discussion forum with Department of Social comes Usec. Turalde Jarabe
Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Maria
Lourdes Turalde-Jarabe at the Philippine Center on 14 (continued from page 35..PH Judicial & Bar Council meets)

June 2017. The JBC members held meetings with Presiding Justice
Karen Peters of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division-
Usec. Turalde-Jarabe delivered a presentation on
the thrusts and programs of the DSWD in the Philippines Third Judicial Department, Associate Justice Michael C. Lynch
under the overarching theme of “DSWD May and Deputy Clerk of Court Sean Morton of the Appellate Division.

Malasakit” (DSWD Cares). The Appellate Division Justices explained the screening
and selection process citing differences between the New York
She highlighted DSWD’s various programs,
namely: the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program system and the Philippines as well as with other States in the US.
popularly known as the 4Ps, KALAHI-CIDSS, Sustainable The discussions also covered court management systems. The
Livelihood Program (SLP), tulong-pampaaral (education JBC also met with the legal interns from different countries and
assistance), tulong-medikal (medical assistance), tulong US States currently undergoing training at the New York
pamasahe (transportation assistance), tulong-pampalibing Appellate Division.

(funeral assistance), pagbibigay ng tulong para sa mga The delegation also met with Justice Leslie Stein of the
nangangailangan indibidwal o pamilya o mga komunidad New York Court of Appeals, the highest court in the New York
na naapektuhan ng kalamidad (assistance for individuals, Judiciary and Chief Clerk and Legal Counsel to the Court of
families and communities affected by calamities), tulong sa Appeals John Asiello. The court officials provided inputs on the
mga solo-parents (assistance for solo parents), tulong sa court system at the Court of Appeals level as well as
mga PWDs (assistance for persons with disabilities) as well requirements in the selection process.
as other programs.
The JBC Delegation also shared the current procedure
The presentation included DSWD’s conduct of on judicial screening, nomination and appointment in the
humanitarian and relief efforts in the Philippines as well as Philippines with their counterparts in New York.
a discussion on the government efforts in managing the
humanitarian needs in Marawi City.

For her part, Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-
de Vega explained the role of the Department of Foreign
Affairs in general, and the Philippine Consulate General in
New York, in particular, vis-à-vis the DSWD’s thrust in
providing development and welfare assistance to overseas
Filipinos and their families in the Philippines. The Consul
General expressed the government’s readiness in
extending appropriate assistance to distressed Filipinos,
specifically those in the US Northeast.
Court of Appeals Justice Leslie Stein and Chief Counsel and Clerk of Court John Asiel-
During the open forum, a discussion arose on the
on-going situation in Marawi City, with participants lo of the NY Court of Appeals brief the JBC Delegation on the court structure, case
management, and nomination-selection process
expressing concern over the loss of lives and destruction of