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 Consul Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa, Ms. Ma. Victoria Reyes, Ms. Ofelia Coralde, Ms. Mary Bel Garcia and Mr. Julius Verano in conducting the first ever mobile consular services for the benefit of Filipinos in Oamaru and the surrounding areas of Ashburton, Invercargill, Queenstown, Dunedin, Rakaia, Westport, Christchurch, Temuka, Kurow, Timaru, Tuatapere and other places in the South Island of New Zealand on 30 August-2 September 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 four hundred sixteen (416) Filipinos availed of consular services covering e-passport application and renewal, authentication, notarials, dual citizenship and NBI/police clearance certification. To date, the Philippine Embassy has conducted eighteen (18) mobile consular services for the benefit and convenience of 7,203 Filipinos throughout the North and South Islands in New Zealand.

The Filipino community members in Oamaru and other parts of the South Island 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. Maylanie Gelacio, mother of one-month old Jyrus Sadio Gelacio who was the first applicant conveyed her appreciation for the excellent service and friendly staff. The Filipinos from the different cities and towns gave very positive and highly appreciative feedback for this continuing excellent and timely service which saves them a lot of money, time, days off and resources as it would have been extremely costly, inconvenient and difficult if they had to go all the way to Wellington. “Awesome people, friendly environment, happy to serve attitude of the team, well-organized, accessible and fast service” were among the written feedback given by the Filipinos. The Philippine Embassy has always shared with the Filipino community the Philippine Government’s priority and concern for their welfare and well-being as the third major pillar of Philippine foreign policy. “In recognition of the vital roles and contributions of the global Filipinos to nation-building in the Philippines and New Zealand, the Philippine Embassy will continue to reach out to them through our mobile consular services and dialogue, demonstrate its caring and sharing spirit and bring the Embassy’s services closer to more than 36,000 Filipinos here,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.

In bringing its services on site and directly to the Filipino community, the Philippine Embassy conveyed its deep appreciation to Ms. Cecilia Baxter, Chairperson, Waitaki Multi-Cultural Council, Inc., Mr. Elbert Gargar, Trustee, Generation FM 106.7 and Mr. Jose Renato Dacudao, DJ, Generation FM 106.7. “They have contributed immensely to a highly successful, productive and meaningful stay and service of the Embassy’s mobile consular team in Oamaru. They continue to be our vital partners in carrying out our GOD-given mission for our beloved country and people,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.