As the Philippine Embassy continues its mobile consular services for the second year for Filipinos in New Zealand, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez led the Philippine Embassy Mobile Consular Team composed of Vice Consul Glenn Joseph Obach, Atty. Levy Strang, Ms. Ofelia Coralde, Ms. Mary Bel Garcia and Mr. Julius Verano in conducting the seventh mobile consular services for the benefit of Filipinos in Auckland on 23-28 May 2013. Called “The Philippine Embassy in New Zealand: Serving with a Smile, Going the Extra Mile and Reaching Beyond Our Grasp” mobile consular services, a total of eight hundred eighteen (818) Filipinos from Auckland, Hamilton and surrounding areas availed of consular services covering e-passport application and renewal, authentication, notarials, dual citizenship and NBI/police clearance certification. So far, a total of four thousand five hundred seventy-one (4,571) Filipinos have benefited from the seven mobile consular services conducted in Auckland which started in November 2011. Following the Embassy’s intensive dual citizenship drive, a record number of thirty-two (32) dual citizens took their oath before Vice-Consul Obach during the consular outreach mission in Auckland.

As in all mobile consular services conducted throughout New Zealand, the Filipino community members in Auckland reiterated their deep gratitude to the Philippine Government through the Philippine Embassy for rendering the much needed and sought after consular services right where they are residing and working. Ms. Honey Mariel M. Castillo, a registered nurse, was the first applicant who conveyed her appreciation for the fast and efficient service, the accommodating team and the benefits and assistance being provided by the Embassy’s mobile services “that help a great deal for those of us who have difficulty going to the Embassy in Wellington due to personal or professional reasons.” This is the seventh time that the Philippine Embassy has brought the Embassy consular services in Auckland, highlighting the Philippine Government’s priority and concern for their welfare and well-being as well as a distinct recognition of the vital roles and contributions of the global Filipinos to nation-building in the Philippines and New Zealand. “As always, we reiterate our thanks for this continuing excellent and timely service which saves us considerable amount of money, time and resources as it would have been extremely costly, inconvenient and difficult if we had to go all the way to Wellington,” many Filipinos stated. Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is home to nearly 25,000 Filipinos.

In bringing its services on site and directly to the Filipino community, the Philippine Embassy also conveyed its deep appreciation to Philippine Honorary Consul-General Atty. Paulo Garcia and Honorary Vice-Consul Virginia Araneta-Russell in Auckland, Mrs. Malou Garcia, Atty. Gene Bagsic and Ms. Rose Sedilla for their invaluable assistance and support. “Consul-General Garcia and Vice-Consul Russell together with those who have assisted them have contributed immensely to a highly successful, productive and meaningful stay and service of the Embassy’s mobile consular team in Auckland. They continue to be our vital partners in carrying out our GOD-given mission for our beloved country and people,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.