PHILIPPINE CONSULATE DUBLIN PROGRESS REPORT (APRIL 2019-DECEMBER 2020)

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE DUBLIN PROGRESS REPORT A of the activities of the Philippine Honorary Consulate Dublin.

Vanda Marie Brady Raymond Christopher Garrett Consul a.h.

2020 PROGRESS REPORT APRIL 2019-DECEMBER 2020

Table of Contents OVERVIEW ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 The Philippine Consulate Dublin Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 Raymond Garrett’s Appointment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 Raymond Christopher Garrett ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9 Honorary Consul ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 Vanda Marie Macion Brady --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 Director Of Marketing & Communications -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 Darren Smyth ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Director Of Trade & Business Development ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Andres (Wendell) Bersabal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Consular Services Manager & Community Engagement & Youth Empowerment Coordinator ------------------------------- 11 Aina Dugenio Conway -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Consular Services Manager & Education, Culture & Arts Officer --------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Leah Fe Liong ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Consular Services Officer ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Industry Champions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 Highlights of the First Year’s Activities of the Consulate--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 Consular Services -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 Passport Extension Recognition – 02 November 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 1000th Consular Service Transaction And 300th Passport Extension Processed On Nov 20, 2020 ---------------------- 14 Home Service Passport Extension – August 21, 2020 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 100th Passport Extension – August 21, 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 Certificates Of Appreciation Awarded To Volunteers On Consul Garrett’s 40th Birthday – August 14, 2020--------- 15 Record-Breaking 77 Applicants Served – July 31, 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 Finger-Printing Now Available In Cork & Kildare – October 16, 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------- 15 First Batch Of 30 Passport Extensions Issued By Consul Raymond Garrett – July 3, 2020 --------------------------------- 15 Permanent Flagpoles Were Installed On June 2020 & The Consulate Re-Opened On May 8, 2020 --------------------- 16 Contactless Payments Accepted & First Emergency Travel Document Issued – Jan 2020 --------------------------------- 16 Consulate Website – Launched ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 Consulate Team Building ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 Jan 2020 & July 2019 Philippine Embassy London Outreach Missions To Ireland – Hosted By The Philippine Consulate Dublin ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 Volunteer Training --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 Consulate On Wheels - Dec 2019-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 Philippine Consulate-POLO-OWWA Four - County Roadshow – October 2019----------------------------------------------- 19 Consul Garrett Welcomed Into The Philippine Senate & Philippine Department Of Foreign Affairs - Sept 20, 2019 ---- 21 Consul Garrett’s Visit To The Philippine Department Of Foreign Affairs - Friday 19th Sept 2019 ---------------------------- 22 GDPR Workshop - 25 August 2019 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22 New "Filipino Migrant Information Centre Ireland" Website - Oct 17, 2019 ------------------------------------------------------ 23 Partner Charity – Ten Foundations ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 Consul Garrett's visit at Bayanihan Village - 23th September 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------- 23 Consulate Hotline – 01 908 1978 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24

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Philippine Consulate Dublin Skills Training ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24 Interview with Newly Appointed Philippine Honorary Consul Raymond Garrett - June 12, 2019 ---------------------------- 25 Covid-19 Pandemic Initiatives ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 Christmas In Our Hearts 2020 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 Halloween Global Virtual Concert For Youth Empowerment – October 31, 2020 ------------------------------------------- 26 Community Integration Group --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 Philippine Business Network Ireland -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 Preparation Strategy Plan For Provision Of Consular Services During Increased COVID-19 Restrictions, And Community Engagement Zoom Meeting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27 Youth Empowerment --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 Tourism Tuesday & Super Sabado On The Philippine Consulate Dublin Facebook Page --------------------------------------- 29 Focus Group Discussion for Emotional Wellness & Psychosocial Interventions during COVID – September 6, 2020 ---- 29 Airport Transfers For Stranded Nurses (May-June 2020) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 29 122nd Philippine Independence Day Virtual Celebration In Ireland (12 June 2020) Dedicated To COVID Frontliners, Survivors & Michael Plangca’s Family ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 30 Participation In The 25th Migrant Workers’ Day Virtual Celebration Of Polo-OWWA On 07 June 2020 ------------------- 31 Support In Promoting The Kildare Filipino Community Fundraiser For The Children Left Orphaned By Covid 19 Casualty Miguel Plangca ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 Established "Tara Usap Tayo, Kapatid!" - The Healthy Minds Online Support Group- 24 May 2020. ----------------------- 31 Promotion Of Filipino Frontline Heroes In Ireland– The Stories Were Picked Up By The Media ------------------------------ 32 Ph Embassy & Polo-Owwa London Covid 19 Services In Ireland --------------------------------------------------------------------- 34 Consular Services Managers Aina & Wendell Have Orgnised Food Assistance In Kildare & Cork ---------------------------- 34 Bombo Radyo Naga Interview On May 4, 2020 On COVID 19 Update In Ireland ------------------------------------------------ 34 Prayer Vigils For Filipino ICU Patients------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35 COVID-19 Updates------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35 Assistance To Nationals --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 General --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 Employment ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 Repatriation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 Hospital and Home Visits ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 36 Child Custody and Immigration Status ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 Filipina Nurse Goes An Extra Mile For Fellow Countryman ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37 Day of the Seafarer – June 25----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37 Support for Fundraisers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 38 Support for Meat Factory Workers in Cavan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39 Community Engagement ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40 Death Notices/Calling For Prayers For Unwell Filipinos -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40 Filipino Freecycle Ireland – September 20, 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41 Couples For Christ Sligo 15th Anniversary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41

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Mural Produced By Youth In Drimnagh - July 23, 2020 At 4:50 Pm ----------------------------------------------------------------- 41 Philippine Consulate Dublin Community Zoom Meeting -Sat, 27 June 2020 1-2pm --------------------------------------------- 42 Outreach Party – Feb 2020 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43 Christmas Parties – Dec 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44 MRCI Gala Fundraiser - 30 November 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45 Multicultural Dance Championship - 12 October 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45 Our World-Class Filipino Runners In Ireland ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46 Waterford Filipino Irish Community Holds Cpr Training- Oct 12 2019 -------------------------------------------------------------- 46 Fiesta of the Tangubanons - 28 September 2019 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46 Filipino Community Network (Fcn) Oath- Taking - September 22, 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------- 47 Lumad Nga Bisaya Grand Coronation Night -August 31, 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 47 Consul Raymond’s Birthday Party - 25 August 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 48 Waterford Filipino-Irish Community Basketball Tournament- 29 July 2019 ------------------------------------------------------- 48 Summer Loving With Aurabelles 24 July 2019 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49 Luzviminda Irish Community Anniversary Night -17 July 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 49 Multicultural Fashion Show - 13 July 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 49 Filipino Community Network Mediation - 27 June 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50 Kildare Filipino Community Flag Raising Ceremony - June 15, 2019 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 50 Philippine Flag Raising Event - 12th June 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50 Celebration of the Filipino Community Network at Glasnevin - June 8, 2019 ----------------------------------------------------- 50 Philippine Independence Day Celebration - Council of Leaders, Gresham Hotel, June 8, 2019 ------------------------------- 51 Inner City Helping Homeless - June 8, 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 51 Kildare Filipino Community Grand Santacruzan Parade - 25 May 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------ 51 Santacruzan Crumlin - 25 May 2019 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52 Youth Empowerment --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52 Philippine Culture Zoom Lessons for Kids - September 5, 2020 ------------------------------------------------------------------ 52 Unesco’s 202 International Youth Day Through Youth Achievements And A Philippine-Inspired Song ---------------- 53 International Youth Day, August 12, 2020 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54 YOUTH ORGANISATION, KILDARE FILIPINO COMMUNITY - August 2, 2020 --------------------------------------------------- 55 Pinoy Youth In Cork Share Their Experience Growing Up In Ireland As A Filipino July 14, 2020-------------------------- 55 Cork Institute Of Technology- February 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55 Student Award - 16 November 2019 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 56 Consul Garrett Inducted the Cork Youth Organization ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57 PROMOTION OF PHILIPPINE BUSINESSES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57 Opening Of Gc Pinoy Store In Kildare – November 20, 2020 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57 Visit to Filipino Cafe / Bakery Dasco DeLi -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58 Maynooth Businesses – October 17 2020 & May 31 2019 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58 Site Visit To Cuppacity Coffee (OWWA Roadshow Oct 2019) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58 Other Businesses: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59 Promotion Of Philippine Culture & Tourism ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 60

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4c Food Cuisine – Multicultural Cooking Demonstration – Dec 5, 2020 ------------------------------------------------------------ 60 Women Stepping Into Leadership – November 26, 2020 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 60 Resource Person For Masteral Thesis On Integration In Ireland – November 9, 2020 ------------------------------------------ 60 Participant In The Northerin Ireland & Ireland Prism – May 21, 2020 -------------------------------------------------------------- 61 “There is no strength without unity” Video of St. John Bosco Youth Centre ------------------------------------------------------- 61 Cavan Cross Cultural Community (4C) – 24th Nov 2018, Hotel Kilmore (over 70 member countries)------------------------ 61 Directory Brady & Officer Bersabal Has Also Represented The Philippines In The Following Events In Cavan: ----------- 62 International Migrants Day December 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 62 Multicultural Day at Loreto College, Dec 11, 2019 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62 Diversity, Inclusion & Equality Seminar Of Cavan Cross Cultural Community (4c), 23 Nov 2019------------------------- 62 Women’s Shed, Belturbet Nov 20, 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63 Premier Screening of “Lingua Fanca” at The Gate Cinema, Cork City – 9th of November 2019 --------------------------- 63 Director Brady Headlined the Cavan Speaks Event, SEPT 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------ 63 Ballyjamesduff Community Festival, August 24, 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 64 Taste of Cavan Public Participation Network Section, August 10, 2019 -------------------------------------------------------- 64 Chicken Adobo Featured in Multicultural Recipes Peace IV Project – July 31, 2019 ---------------------------------------- 64 Cootehill Arts Festival – 30th June 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 65 Cavan Community Irish Culture Workshop – 15th of June 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------ 65 Mind the Brexit Gap, Cavan – 1st of June 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66 Cavan Arts Festival - May 18, 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66 Cavan Community Fest – 17th May 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67 Philippine & Irish Dishes at 4C Multicultural Cookery Book Event - April 20, 2019 ----------------------------------------- 67 Teaching Filipino & Philippine Culture At Home ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67 Philippine-Inspired Home in Cavan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 68 Featuring Good Work Of Filipinos In Ireland ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 69 Visits to Filipino Workers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71 Visit to Salt N’ Peppa Fastfood in Galway ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71 Cork – Office Wendell Bersabal Dairy Farm Workers And Fishermen In Cork ----------------------------------------------------- 71 Site Visit Comerford Bakery, Kildare Roadshow Oct 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71 Site Visit Boran Packaging, Kildare Roadshow Oct 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72 Site Visit to McCarren Meats, Cavan Roadshow Oct 2019----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72 Cavan Filipino Workers Forum, Cavan Roadshow Oct 2019--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72 Site Visit to Powdermills Nursing Home (OWWA Roadshow Oct 2019) ------------------------------------------------------------ 73 Site visit to EY (Ernst and Young) (OWWA Roadshow Oct 2019) -------------------------------------------------------------------- 73 Consulate Officer Wendell Bersabal welcomed seafarers in Cork - September 15, 2019 -------------------------------------- 73 Research Studies ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 74 Trinity College Dublin Survey On Filipino Migrant Nurses – Nov 12, 2020 --------------------------------------------------------- 74 Graduate Study Completed By Diplomat Study On Filipino Nurses – October 2020 --------------------------------------------- 74 July 11, 2020 - An Insightful Discussion On Filipino Irish Lives In Ireland ----------------------------------------------------------- 75 Filipino Irish Lives: On Diaspora, Belonging, and Citizenship -20 July 2019 -------------------------------------------------------- 75 Kape At Kwentuhan: A Coffee Event On Philippine Migrant Stories In Ireland --------------------------------------------------- 76 Graduate Research ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 77 Survey On The Filipino Community In Ireland July 2019 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 77

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Information Campaign/Media & Communications ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 78 Filipino Workforce Continues to Boost Irish Health Sector Amidst Pandemic – Diplomat’s Research Study Reveals – October 19, 2020 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 78 Pinay Nurse Leaves Mark In Ireland, Her ‘Second Home’ – September 26, 2020 ------------------------------------------------ 78 ‘I’ll Take Care Of Your Kids’: Pinay In Ireland Keeps Promise To Brother Who Died Of COVID-19 29 May 2020 --------- 79 Pinoy Nurses Working In Ireland And Stranded In PH Worry When They’re Flying Out, April 2020 ------------------------- 80 “Filipina head nurse in Ireland braces for coronavirus impact,” March 24, 2020 ------------------------------------------------ 80 “Border Check Or Not, Philippine Passport Holders Need A Visa To Enter Northern Ireland And The Republic Of Ireland,” 07 February 2019 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 81 “Biggest Group Of Pinoy Workers Employed At Rural Factory In Ireland,” December 8, 2019 ------------------------------- 81 Abs-Cbn Europe Correspondent “Pinoy Vocal Quintet To Hold Concert In Dublin,” Septeber 12, 2019--------------------- 82 How The Uk-Eu Split Might Affect Cross-Border Filipinos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 83 Liffey Champion – Entrepreneurship Encouraged Among the Filipino Community - June 15, 2019 ------------------------- 84 New Ph Honorary Consul Named, 03 May 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 84 Business Development, Trade & Investment ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 85 Appendices ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 86 Appendix A: Community Engagement Zoom Meeting -17 October 2020, 2-3:30pm ------------------------------------------- 87 Appendix B: Tara Na, Usap Tayo Kapatid Summary Reports/ Updates As Of 16 June 2020 ---------------------------------- 93 APPENDIX C: Philippine Consulate Dublin Community Zoom Meeting, Sat, 27 June 2020 1-2pm ----------------------------- 0

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OVERVIEW This is a report on the activities and projects that the Philippine Honorary Consulate Dublin has implemented from April 2019-December 2020.

The Report is organised in the following categories: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Philippine Consulate Dublin Team Highlights of the First Year’s Activities of the Consulate COVID-19 Pandemic Activities Assistance to Nationals Community Engagement Promotion of Philippine Businesses Promotion of Philippine Culture and Tourism Featuring Good Work of Filipinos in Ireland Visits to Filipino Workers Research Studies Business Development, Trade & Investment Appendices o Appendix A: Summary Of Community Engagement Meeting October 17, 2020 o Appendix B: “Tara Usap Tayo Kapatid” Dial A Friend Referral Programme Report o Appendix C: Summary Of Community Engagement Meeting June 2020

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The Philippine Consulate Dublin Team

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Raymond Garrett’s Appointment Raymond Garrett’s Appointment as Honorary Consul to Ireland was recognised by the Irish Government in May 2020

On April 27 it was publicly announced that Raymond was appointed by Secretary of the Department of Affairs Mr. Teodoro Locsin. Following this, Raymond took his initial oath of office with Minister an Consul Voltaire Mauricio. Following this, Raymond took a formal oath of office in the Philippine Embassy in London with Ambassador Lagdameo. On the Irish Government’s behalf, Tainaste (Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Coveney signed an Exequitar which is the Irish government’s formal recognition of Consul Raymond Garrett’s position as Philippine Honorary Consul to Ireland.

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Raymond Christopher Garrett Honorary Consul Raymond Garret was university-educated between Egypt, Korea, Ireland, and the Philippines but the Philippines was the foundation of all his education.

While attending university in Liceo De Cagayan University in Cagayan De Oro City in 2003, Raymond – with the backing of an Irish philanthropist – founded an Orphanage which he ran at board level for a number of years. Following nine years in university which included undergraduate and post graduate studies, Raymond was hired by the newly opened Philippine Embassy Dublin as a Business and IT consultant but quickly became the embassy’s main researcher working directly with the deputy head of mission. Raymond played a key role in the setting up of a permanent Embassy in Dublin. At the end of his 18-month term Raymond started a property maintenance business (Vital Property Services).

Following the closure of the Philippine Embassy in Dublin, the Embassy sought Raymond’s help in finding a suitable Honorary Consul at which point Raymond nominated Mark Congdon who was later appointed as Honorary Consul. Raymond was then appointed as Director of Operations of the Philippine Honorary Consulate Dublin. Raymond took this voluntary role on and quickly became a recognised individual in the Filipino Community in Ireland.

Raymond was instrumental in all aspects of the setting up of the Consulate and managed the day to day running of the Consulate. Raymond had for five years, dedicated countless unpaid hours each and every week to run and manage the Consulate. Following his resignation in September 2018, Raymond together with his business partner Vanda Brady founded a community organisation Outreach Ireland and continued to provide emergency assistance to the Filipino Community.

Raymond was an appointment as a Commissioner for Oaths by the Chief Justice of Ireland in the Supreme Court of Ireland in 2019.

Raymond has three children who are proud dual citizens. Raymond now has businesses in different sectors including construction, hospitality and consultancy and is actively exploring various opportunities to enhance his business links with the Philippines.

Vanda Marie Macion Brady Director Of Marketing & Communications Consul Garrett has appointed Vanda with a wide remit to manage the Consulate’s marketing and communications needs, and overall management of the Consulate. Vanda will also assume the role of Chargé d’affaires ad interim as the need arises should Consul Garrett be absent from the country or otherwise be unavailable.

Vanda has been the lead organiser of the Philippine Embassy Outreach Missions in Ireland since 2016 after moving to Cavan from London. Consul Garrett has nominated Vanda for the 2020 Philippine Presidential Award (Banaag Category).

A cum laude graduate in Broadcast Communication at the University of the Philippines and Full Scholar MA graduate in Communication from Ateneo de Manila University, and a former lecturer at both top-tier universities, Vanda has over twenty years of experience and proven skills in digital and traditional marketing, customer relations, programme and events management, market research, institutional marketing and

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external relations, partnership development, media, audio-visual production, teaching, and training material development and delivery.

She has gained significant international exposure having worked with reputable international business and educational organisations and is consistently recognised for her excellent work in academia, private corporations and non-profit organisations. Apart from the success of the first cross-border Brexit forum she facilitated in Cavan, she received the Cathaoirleach’s (Cavan County Council Chair) 2019 Annual Award for the Social Inclusion Category for her exceptional achievement, effort and service in a voluntary capacity in County Cavan.

Vanda has extensive experience in the voluntary sector having formed multiple community organisations in Ireland – the Filipino Association of Cavan, the Cavan Cross Cultural Community, Outreach Ireland, and the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Ireland, as well as actively contributing to The Next Chapter Europe, and Cavan Multicultural Society. Vanda contributes to the Cavan Community through her work volunteering with the cross-community groups assisting Filipino nationals with cultural integration, basic migrant rights and multicultural participation in mainstream Cavan and the rest of Ireland. She has integrated her life and strives to promote inclusion for others in everything she does, working tirelessly to break barriers and stop exclusion and promote inclusion and integration.

Vanda has also offered great assistance to Filipino nationals in distress over the past four years in Ireland resulting in life changing outcomes for those affected.

Darren Smyth Director Of Trade & Business Development Darren’s primary role as the Director of Trade and Business Development is to promote the economic interests of the Philippines in Ireland, including analysis of economic developments, encourage trade links between Ireland and the Philippines and to facilitate and support Philippine companies wishing to enter or expand in the Irish market. He will also understand and develop market opportunities for the Philippines in conjunction with the Philippine Department of Trade London and the Philippine Consulate Dublin Director of Marketing and Communications.

Darren has over his 25+ years professional career supported several Start-ups that are in business today.

Darren has successful careers with Sheridan Developments Ltd, Lambert Smith Hampton, and currently Manor Mills Administration Limited. He also assisted in re-structuring companies during recession of which all are still in business today.

He worked with Department of Education and Kildare Wicklow Education Training Board (KWETB) in opening an Education facility of 25,000 square feet in a Shopping Centre. The Closing deal was €1.6 million and it is the first Education Campus in a Shopping Centre in Ireland.

Darren has travelled extensively in the Philippines over the last number of years for both business and tourism and has strong business links to the Philippines.

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Andres (Wendell) Bersabal Consular Services Manager & Community Engagement & Youth Empowerment Coordinator Wendell is an active and well-respected leader in County Cork.

Formerly a Math teacher in the Philippines, he is now a Social Activities Worker at St. Finbarr and has led various successful cultural, youth and sports projects for community groups in Cork, which is one of the most Filipino-populated county in Ireland. He has won the hearts of many by gracing community events with his singing prowess and he has a big body of loyal supporters due to his fair, inspiring and untiring service to the community.

Wendell was the President of the United Filipino Irish Association (UFIA) from May 2016-March 2019. Under his leadership UFIA won two St. Patrick’s Day Parade awards and have run many successful community projects. He was Vice President of the Filipino Community Network in 2016, which awarded him two times for his tireless work for the Filipino Community in Ireland.

Aina Dugenio Conway Consular Services Manager & Education, Culture & Arts Officer Aina has been a great addition to the Consulate team. Apart from efficiently answering queries on the Consulate Hotline 24/7, and heading the hosting of the successful Jan 2019 Philippine Embassy London Outreach Mission in Dublin, Aina is also a well-respected leader in the Filipino-Irish Community. She was the Vice-President and now President of the Kildare Filipino Community (KFC) since 2018. KFC is one of the biggest and most active Filipino organisations in Ireland.

She played a key role in letting the KFC Youth Dance Group win the 2020 National Multicultural competition in Dublin in 2019, qualifying them to compete at the World IDF Dance competion in Spain this May. She also organised various cultural performances that received national recognition for the past three years. Aina is also an Officer of the Filipino Council of Leaders since 2018. She was the parent council secretary for 3 years in Caragh National School. A proud Visayan from the Philippines, Aina met her Kildare born husband Alistair while they were both teaching English in Wuhan, China. They got married and moved to Alistair’s hometown in Kildare in 2004 and are now running an Accountancy firm.

Leah Fe Liong Consular Services Officer Leah has been helping at the Philippine Embassy Outreach Missions in Ireland for more than two years as well as community events conducted by Outreach Ireland and the Consulate. She plays a big role in confirming booking appointments when it was handled by the Consulate, and she continues to answer Consular queries, and she heads the document checking team during the outreach missions, which is a critical role in making the processing run smoothly. Born

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and bred in Zamboanga City, Leah speaks 4 dialects and 3 languages.

Her father is from Dumaguete City and her mother is from Siquijor. Leah worked in Dubai in the hospitality sector from 2012 -2015 where he met Dubliner Robert Whelan. Following a number of years as the Front Office Supervisor at The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin Leah now works as a Recruitment Coordinator at Google via Adecco. Residing in Dublin Ireland for over three years and is happily married to Rob with 3 beautiful children, Gabriel, Joseph and Alexander.

Industry Champions As a result of the April 2019 Industry Focus Group discussion with Labor AttachĂŠ Amuerfina Reyes on Migrant Worker Rights in Ireland, Industry Champions have been assigned to be the contact for queries of Filipino nationals in relation to their work in major industries in Ireland. The list can be found here http://kx.philippineconsulate.ie/contact/ and is as follows: Philippine Consulate Dublin John Bosco Centre, Davitt Rd, Drimnagh D12 EDN2 Dublin, Ireland Consulate Hotline: +353 1 908 1978 Guidance and Support for Nurses Isolde de la Cruz Email: isolde.delacruz02@ccsltd.ie Telephone: +353 1 526 6719 / +353 1 623 7524 Mobile (for emergency cases only): +353 86 340 5386 Guidance and Support for Carers and Hospital Workers Mike Ancheta Email: mikeancheta@gmail.com Mobile: +353 86 209 1430

Support for Home Care Through Agency Shane Andaloc Email: Andalocs@tcd.ie Guidance and Support for IT Professionals Jeffrey Reyes Email: jeffreyreyesv@gmail.com Mobile: +353 86 043 7583 Support for Accountants Alistair/Aina Conway Email: aina@conwayco.ie Mobile: +353 85 719 6821 TARA, USAP TAYO KAPATID! 01 908 1978

Issues on Migrant Rights of Carers Jayson Montenegro Email: jaysonmontenegro73@yahoo.com Mobile: +353 86 344 5629 Irene Jagoba irene@mrci.ie or 0864679500

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Highlights of the First Year’s Activities of the Consulate

Consular Services Consular Services: • • • • • • • •

Passport Extension Notarial Of Civil Registration ( Reports Of Birth, Marriage Or Death) Notarization & Legalization Services (Affidavits, Spas, “Previously known as red ribbon,”Etc) NBI Fingerprint Impressioning Notarial Of Application for Visa to the Philippines General Letter/Certificate Assistance-To-Nationals General Consultations with the Consul

We provide assistance to Filipinos in distress. Contact 01 908 1978.

Passport Extension Recognition – 02 November 2020 The Philippine Consulate is pleased to announce that we have received reports that the GNIB are recognising Philippine Consulate issued Passport Extensions. Further to this we would like to inform all Nurses and Midwives that we have reached out to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) to ensure they will recognise the Philippine Consulate issued Passport Extension for the purposes of NMBI registration and renewal.

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1000th Consular Service Transaction And 300th Passport Extension Processed On Nov 20, 2020

Home Service Passport Extension – August 21, 2020 Antonio Balasabas received the VIP Consular Service treatment he deserved.

Following a stroke, Antonio was unable to travel to the Consulate for a Passport Extension so Consul Garrett brought the Consulate to him to do the transaction. Consul Garrett also personally paid for the extension. Mr. Balasabas agreed to share this photo to make people aware of this invaluable service the Consulate provides.

100th Passport Extension – August 21, 2020 The Consulate issued the 100th Passport Extension to Rina Constantino.

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Certificates Of Appreciation Awarded To Volunteers On Consul Garrett’s 40th Birthday – August 14, 2020

Record-Breaking 77 Applicants Served – July 31, 2020 The Consulate had 77 transactions July 31, 2020! Service ran from 7.15am - 7.35pm, a record breaker for our one-day service since the Consulate opened in 2012. 44 of the appointments were notarial services, 25 passport extensions, 5 NBI Fingerprint Impressioning, and 3 Civil Registry. The Consulate has on average at least 50 consular transactions weekly.

Finger-Printing Now Available In Cork & Kildare – October 16, 2020 From July 2020, NBI Clearance Finger Print Impressioning is now available in Cork with Consulate Officer Wendell Bersabal and from October 2020 in Kildare with Consulate Officer Aina Conway

First Batch Of 30 Passport Extensions Issued By Consul Raymond Garrett – July 3, 2020

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Permanent Flagpoles Were Installed On June 2020 & The Consulate Re-Opened On May 8, 2020

Contactless Payments Accepted & First Emergency Travel Document Issued – Jan 2020

Consulate Website – Launched

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Consulate Team Building October 2020 The Consulate team had a 2-day team building and training on October 17-18 at Glen Royale Hotel in Maynooth to prepare a contingency plan for consular services if the Irish Government implements a higher level of COVID restrictions. It also had a zoom meeting with active community leaders to involve them in the following: o o o

Learning and sharing the information on consular services to their respective communities Sharing inspiring stories about Filipinos in Ireland Initiating new projects and participating in online events, especially during the lockdown

February 2020 The Consulate had a 2-day teambuilding and training event in Drogheda on February 2020.

Jan 2020 & July 2019 Philippine Embassy London Outreach Missions To Ireland – Hosted By The Philippine Consulate Dublin January 2020 Outreach – 413 served July 2019 Outreach – 461 served

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Volunteer Training The Consulate team continues to train volunteers in order to help facilitate outreach missions where at least 350 Filipinos attend per mission.

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Consulate On Wheels - Dec 2019 Consul Raymond Garrett has travelled to Galway and Limerick to provide Consular services to Filipino communities.

Philippine Consulate-POLO-OWWA Four - County Roadshow – October 2019 Director Vanda Brady together with various Filipino Communities organised the logistics and schedule for a four county Consulate, POLO – OWWA Roadshow. Close to 400 transactions and over 450 people attended the information sessions in Kildare, Cork, Cavan and Dublin on Oct 17-20, 2019.

Consul Raymond Garrett and Labor Attaché Amy Reyes who braved the long trips with approximately 18 hours driving over the four days and served the Filipino-Irish Community with in both the capital and some more remote areas of Ireland. Both had hardly any sleep, food or rest breaks due to the demand of the schedule. As part of this roadshow they met Filipino workers, recruiters and employers and conducted a number of site visits to employers with a significant Filipino workforce. The also conducted information sessions where they explained Consular and POLO-OWWA Services. The new "Filipino Migrant Information Centre Website" was also introduced, and Worker Rights were discussed. This website was the brain child of the OWWA – POLO workers focus group and was then developed by the Philippine Consulate team.

Co. Kildare - 17 October 2019 Information and Legalisation Session Thursday, 6-10pm, Maynooth Post Primary School, Moyglare Road, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 HC66

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Meeting With Former Consul John Ferris Consul Garret and Labour Attaché Reyes had a short meeting with former Philippine Honorary Consul John Ferris (no photo taken due to the controversial nature of the Former Consul). During the meeting Mr. Ferris raised concerns about the issuing of OEC and other relevant matters. Labour Attaché Reyes and Consul Garrett highlighted that the issues raised would be discussed at by the Labour Attaché at the information sessions. Mr. Ferris has in the past actively sought out problems but appears to have accepted that the Consulate and Embassy are working hard for the Filipinos in Ireland and the UK. This is the second meeting Consul Garrett has had with Mr. Ferris in an effort to calm the tension he seems to have against the Embassy and Consulate.

Co. Cork - 18 Oct 2019 Information and Legalisation Session Friday 3-11pm, Society of African Missions, Wilton, Cork, T12 KR23 Information and Legalisation session with guest speaker Caitriona Twomey - Humanitarian Champion- Cork Penny Dinners and Sister Josephine McCarthy Migrant Issues Champion, Cork Migrant Centre.

Co. Cavan - Cavan Filipino Workers Forum, October 19, 2019, Cavan Crystal Hotel Consulate Director Vanda Brady who is also the Chairman of the Filipino Association of Cavan (FAC), facilitated the Filipino Workers Forum in Cavan on 19 October 2019 where 19 meat processing workers at McCarren Meats as well as healthcare and hospitality professionals celebrated Filipino employment and workers’ rights in Ireland. The event was widely covered by the media and was attended by local and national politicians. Following this event Consul Garrett and Labour Attaché Reyes carried on to Dublin for the next leg of the Consulate / POLO roadshow.

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Co. Dublin – October 19, 2019 Information and Legalisation Session Saturday, 7.00pm – 11.00pm, DYCE Cafe, St. John Bosco Youth Centre, Davitt Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, D12 EDN2

20 Oct 2019, Sunday, 9am-6pm Gym Hall, St. John Bosco Youth Centre, Davitt Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, D12 EDN2

Filipino Barrister Nonito Barbero presented Employment Law to the Filipino community in Dublin, while Consul Garrett and Labour Attaché Reyes provided services to the community.

Consul Garrett Welcomed Into The Philippine Senate & Philippine Department Of Foreign Affairs - Sept 20, 2019 During his recent visit to the Philippines, Consul Garrett was welcomed and acknowledged into the Philippine Senate. In addition, Consul Garrett had a number of meetings with heads of departments in the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

Items discussed included the Philippine Consulate Dublin’s Assistance to Filipino Nationals in distress and the reopening of the Philippine Embassy Dublin. https://youtu.be/4yQmSAI6ZXE

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Consul Garrett’s Visit To The Philippine Department Of Foreign Affairs - Friday 19th Sept 2019 Consul Garrett visited the Department of Foreign Affairs at 2330 Roxas Blvd, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines.

During this visit Consul Garrett met with Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo.

In this meeting they discussed amongst others Philippine foreign policy and Philippines-Ireland relations. Also discussed was the planned reopening of the Philippine Embassy Dublin in which Consul Garrett highlighted the need for Consular Services.

Undersecretary Manalo who is the former Philippine Ambassador to London outlined the role the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) will likely take in foreign posts in the near future with a clear focus on assistance to nationals (ATN).

GDPR Workshop - 25 August 2019 Consulate GDPR Workshop with Jeffrey Reyes, Electronics & Communications Engineer & Independent Consultant in Information Security and Data Protection Management Despite the fact that the Philippine Consulate Dublin follows the Philippine Data Privacy Act (DPA) 2012 the Consulate has prepared to work within the spirt of the European GDPR.

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New "Filipino Migrant Information Centre Ireland" Website - Oct 17, 2019 Click this link!

http://kx.philippineconsulate.ie/ Anything you need to know about the Filipino Community in Ireland in one place!

Volunteer IT Consultants Jeffrey Reyes and Tiffany O'Keeffe have made this website possible.

HOW IT STARTED Filipino Migrants Information Centre Ireland is a website developed by the Philippine Consulate Dublin in partnership with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA). This website aims to provide as much information to help all Filipino migrants settle in Ireland.

This website is a result of a Focus Group Discussion on Migrant Work Issues organised by Outreach Ireland. Philippine Labor AttachĂŠ ASec Amuerfina R. Reyes and OWWA Welfare Officer Connie Marquez visited Ireland on 26th of April 2019 to discuss work issues in the healthcare, hospitality, IT, accounting, engineering, construction and recruitment sectors in Ireland.

The main issues raised by 15 professionals from the Filipino and Irish community were: 1. the need to have a Philippine government entity in Ireland that can address Filipino work-related concerns, 2. a reliable knowledge resource centre for Filipino migrant workers to help them settle and integrate in Ireland, and 3. the institutionalisation of Filipino and Irish labour policies or bilateral agreements in order to address the skills shortages in Ireland which Filipino workers can fill in.

The group that met, which was composed of barristers at law, senior level nurses and health care professionals, immigration and technology consultants, recruiters and business owners, is now the Committee that will help address labour issues and relations between Ireland and the Philippines. It will continue to work together to accomplish clearly defined tasks following a prescribed timeline.

Partner Charity – Ten Foundations The Philippine Consulate partnered with a successful Charity based in Ireland that operates in the Philippines. The Consulate has started facilitating the sale of bags made by Ten Foundations at the Consulate Office since August 12, 2020. Ten Foundations is a Belfast-based charity that helps vulnerable children, women and families in Balayan, Batangas, Philippines. All proceeds from the sales go directly to the charity.

Consul Garrett's visit at Bayanihan Village - 23th September 2019 Philippine Consul Raymond Christopher Garrett visited Ten Foundations to personally check the place and all of the staff working at Ten Foundations Philippines.

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VIDEO OF CONSUL GARRETT’S VISIT TO TEN FOUNDATIONS: https://youtu.be/0ps4nAbN8Gc

Consulate Hotline – 01 908 1978 From January 2019, in advance of Consul Garrett’s official appointment Outreach Ireland set up an Assistance to National Hotline where a volunteer answers calls from Monday to Saturday. EMAILS, MESSENGER, TEXTS AND CALLS – WE HAVE RECEIVED AROUND 400 SINCE JANUARY 2020, AND A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY 1000 SINCE CONSUL RAYMOND WAS APPOINTED IN APRIL 2019.

Once Consul Garrett was publicly named by the Embassy as the newly appointed Consul the hotline transfer to the Consulate Hotline as it was Consul Garrett who had and has continued to fund this line. This volunteer lead service receives 10-15 calls a day. The maximum was about 40 calls which is usually nearing an outreach for confirmation of appointments, the cancellation of the November outreach.

Queries are generally on passport renewals, consular requirements, Visa requirements , NBI and NBI fingerprinting. When legalisation services were offered every two weeks, the number of queries on these went down. Non-Filipino callers ask about visa information or advice on how to apply for holiday visa for someone they want to invite. Most of these are directed to the proper website .

A number of calls are from Filipinos who cannot travel to the UK and cannot get services in Ireland, but this were before the services were given by the Consul.

FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/PHLinIRELAND/

Philippine Consulate Dublin Skills Training Philippine Consulate Director Vanda BradyJoined the “Migrants Against Exploitation (MAX)” Train-theTrainers Project - 29 June 2019 and “Family Advocacy and Information, Advice & Advocacy Level 6” – September 30 onwards

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Director Brady of the Philippine Consulate Dublin participated at the “Migrants Against Exploitation (MAX)�

Train-the-Trainers Project, a unique 13-man team to undergo intensive training for four weekends to empower migrant communities to know more about workers' rights and prevent exploitation in their respective migrant communities in Ireland. Country Representation: Philippines, Mongolia, Morocco, Mauritius, Ghana, Romania, Taiwan, Korea, Nigeria, Bolivia, and Pakistan. Director Brady was chosen to be a Cultural champion in County Cavan where she will provide advocacy and support for members of new communities in the county who may be involved in child protection and welfare process. The contract role started with a Diploma Level course in September 30, 2020 called Family Rights and Advocacy which gives a basic understanding of the Irish legal system and family law in relation to advocacy in Ireland, followed by another course called Information, Advice & Advocacy which will equip her with the knowledge and skills of an advocacy worker within the context of the Irish social welfare system.

Interview with Newly Appointed Philippine Honorary Consul Raymond Garrett - June 12, 2019

As he begins his term as the new Honorary Consul of the Philippines to Ireland, Raymond Garrett shares with the public his plans in engaging the Filipino community in Ireland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT27qIieKY0&feature=youtu.be

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Covid-19 Pandemic Initiatives Due to the current challenges brought about by the pandemic, the Philippine Consulate Dublin have taken the initiative to meet on October 17, 2020 and develop a contingency plan when restrictions will be raised from a Level 3 to a Level 5. The Consulate have come up with projects during the modified lockdown, where the community will stay informed on consular services as well as participate in and organise projects while complying with government restrictions. The following are ongoing projects that we are implementing:

Christmas In Our Hearts 2020 A Parol Making Contest, Essary Writing and a Christmas Eve Virtual Concert will also be celebrated on Dec 24.

Halloween Global Virtual Concert For Youth Empowerment – October 31, 2020 A Halloween virtual concert for youth empowerment was held where officials from the Philippine Embassy in London, POLO-OWWA and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs delivered inspiring messages.

18 Filipino musicians from the Philippines, Ireland and Germany performed. The event was held to help inspire the Filipino community while facing the challenges of the COVID pandemic. It aimed to let the audience appreciate Philippine Monsters and Folklore, to empower the Filipino Youth by encouraging them to engage in community development work, to promote Filipino musical talent through singing and performing using various instruments, and to launch the Voice of Hope Fundraiser for vulnerable students in the Philippines, particularly the Scholarship Programme of Philippine Consulate Dublin’s partner charity – Ten Foundations, and the Elementary Student Tutorial Programme of Rotaract General Santos City, a Youth Programme of the Philippine Rotary Club.

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Community Integration Group Philippine Consulate Dublin has formed a Community Integration Chat Group made up of active community leaders. This is a result of two productive community meetings it has conducted to engage with the community. The objective of this initiative which was led by Consulate Officers Aina Conway and Wendell Bersabal is to empower leaders and the youth 1) by making them aware of Consulate Services and sharing these information to their respective community groups 2) by identifying the strengths of their groups and provide help where needed 3) by recognising and tapping the skills and talents of active leaders and their members 4) by helping each other in whatever way we can through projects and events during this difficult time. The group is currently helping 23 nurses who have just arrived from the Philippines and are quarantined at City West Hotel in Dublin by providing winter jackets and support for settling in Ireland.

Philippine Business Network Ireland The first zoom seminar on maximising the potential of start-ups and existing businesses of Filipinos in Ireland was held on Wednesday, Oct 21, 7pm and was led by Director of Trade and Business Development Darren Smyth and Martin Eastwood of Wide Variety Media, and facilitated by Consul Garrett. The meeting resulted to the establishment of the first network of Filipino business owners under the term of Consul Garrett. It was attended by 16 entrepreneurs from the following sectors - Construction & Design, Project Planning, Software Development/Digital Marketing, Cake-Making, Construction, Dermatology/Aesthetics, Sushi/Filipino Frozen Meals, Financial Education, Stocks, Property Development, Accounting, and Balloon Decorations. The network aims to help link or guide entrepreneurs to the right people and information in setting up a business or boosting current profit, plus advice on getting Irish government grants / funds during the pandemic.

Preparation Strategy Plan For Provision Of Consular Services During Increased COVID-19 Restrictions, And Community Engagement Zoom Meeting The Consulate Team met to prepare for increased COVID-19 Restrictions on October 17, 2020, and met Community Leaders of 15 active organisations for their insights on their involvement in sharing the information on consular services as well as participating in and initiating community events within Level 3/4/5 regulations. (See Meeting Summary on Appendix A)

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Youth Empowerment The Consulate has enhanced its youth empowerment programme by celebrating UNESCO’s International Youth Day in August 2020 with features on youth activities and active youth leaders in Ireland. A Halloween global virtual concert was also held on the 31st of October. For more info on youth-related initiatives, please go to the Community Engagement section. An Essay-writing on “What the Pandemic Means to Me” was also initiated.

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Tourism Tuesday & Super Sabado On The Philippine Consulate Dublin Facebook Page The Consulate initiated “Tourism Tuesday,” a day dedicated to posting COVID-Related Updates, Safe Travel Advisories, and relevant articles featuring tourism and culture in the Philippines and Ireland. “Super Sabado: Community at Your Service” is dedicated to Filipino Community Groups in Ireland who have done remarkable work through the years.

Focus Group Discussion for Emotional Wellness & Psychosocial Interventions during COVID – September 6, 2020 Consulate Director Vanda Brady and MRCI Representative Irene Jagoba joined the Focus Group Discussion facilitated by POLO-OWWA and UGAT (Ugnayan at Tulong Para sa Maralitang Pamilya Foundation) on Institutionalising/Developing a Counselling Programme for providing Emotional Wellness and Psychosocial Interventions for Filipino Migrants during the COVID Pandemic

Airport Transfers For Stranded Nurses (May-June 2020) The Consulate helped facilitate airport transfers of 40 stranded nurses from the Philippines to Ireland since April 6, 2020. The nurses were on holiday in the Philippines since January and were grounded due to COVID - 19 restrictions. The first 21 nurses arrived on 21 may 2020.

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122nd Philippine Independence Day Virtual Celebration In Ireland (12 June 2020) Dedicated To COVID Frontliners, Survivors & Michael Plangca’s Family

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Participation In The 25th Migrant Workers’ Day Virtual Celebration Of PoloOWWA On 07 June 2020

Support In Promoting The Kildare Filipino Community Fundraiser For The Children Left Orphaned By Covid 19 Casualty Miguel Plangca PROMOTING THE FUNDRAISER IN THE CONSULATE PAGE & VARIOUS NEWS MEDIA HELPED REACH OVER 134, 500 PEOPLE LEADING TO OVER €280,000 FUNDS RAISED IN TWO WEEKS.

Established "Tara Usap Tayo, Kapatid!" - The Healthy Minds Online Support Group- 24 May 2020.

THE SERVICE HAS REFERRED 9 FILIPINOS FOR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE (PLEASE SEE REPORT IN APPENDIX B).

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TARA, USAP TAYO KAPATID! Tawag na po! Helpline Number 01 908 1978. Hindi po ikinahihiya ang lungkot or depression. Ingat po kayo lagi!

DIALECTS: Visayan, Tagalog, Pangalatok, Kapampangan, Ilocano, Ibanag, Ilonggo, Pangasinanse, Chavacano, Tausug, Karay-a, Ilonggo, Waray, Cebuano, Boholano, Hiligaynon

Promotion Of Filipino Frontline Heroes In Ireland– The Stories Were Picked Up

By The Media

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Ph Embassy & Polo-Owwa London Covid 19 Services In Ireland THE CONSULATE MONITORS COVID 19 POSITIVE CASES AND ASSISTS FILIPINOS IN getting FOOD AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. We have been reporting to the Embassy the Covid 19 positive cases and deaths since March. So far we have 65 positive cases and 3 deaths caused by Corona Virus. The positive cases is not accurate due to privacy restrictions and majority of Filipinos asked for their privacy.

Consular Services Managers Aina & Wendell Have Orgnised Food Assistance In Kildare & Cork

Bombo Radyo Naga Interview On May 4, 2020 On COVID 19 Update In Ireland THE CONSULATE TEAM FEATURED FILIPINO FRONTLINERS AS WELL AS OTHER WORKERS IN NONHEALTHCARE INDUSTRIES WHO HELP FUEL THE IRISH ECONOMY.

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Prayer Vigils For Filipino ICU Patients

COVID-19 Updates The Consulate continues to keep abreast in highlighting issues that are important to Filipino nationals in Ireland

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Assistance To Nationals Oven the course of 2020 the Philippine Consulate Dublin have been assisting Filipino nationals in distress on a weekly basis. There is no sets of consistent or trends of problems/issues being faced by Filipinos in Ireland but the issued faced are more broad and individual.

General Employment There has been a number of concerns brought to the attention of the Consulate of mistreatment and bulling in the workplace of Filipino workers however generally it is an particular individual rather than Filipinos in general. As the labour laws in Ireland are strong and the rights of workers take priority over the employer these cases are generally resolved quickly. For those cases not resolved quickly the individual is linked up with a solicitor for legal advice and has the option to file a case against the employer.

Repatriation Following the death of a Filipino national when the Consulate is contacted by the family / friends of the deceased we would inform them of the average cost of the funeral and repatriation so they can be informed of this information ahead of agreeing to a price with a local funeral director. We have received reports that some funeral directors have charged 40% over the average for a like for like service because the family did not know the average or real cost. General assistance is give in repatriation on a case by case basis subject to the needs of the individuals.

Hospital and Home Visits Consular services are provided at the hospital bedside or in the home when the individual cannot attend the Consulate, this would be for general consular services like the legalisation of documents including Last Will and Testament of individuals terminally ill patients. Sadly, the Consulate had to provide Bed side Consular services a number of times over the year.

Child Custody and Immigration Status The Consulate have handled a number of cases of child custody between an Irish parent and a Filipino parent. In most cases the Irish parent will be the dominant parent and mostly the Irish parent is the father and the mother would be the Filipina. A lot of the time the Irish parent would try to use the Filipina’s immigration status as leverage against the Filipina, this fills the Filipina with fear of deportation or long term instability. Cases like this are somewhat regular but it is only in cases were the Filipina is unaware of their rights under Irish law. Thankfully, Irish law generally does not look at immigration status and child custody together. In cases like the above once the Filipino national is aware of their rights they are able to access good support from the Irish state if they cannot support themselves. In addition to that there is a process in Ireland that allows an undocumented national to get a legal immigration status if they are the parent of an Irish child. Over a number of cases like the above the Consulate has linked individuals up with legal aid boards, Garda (Irish Police) the court service, provided emergency accommodation, offered mediation, supported individuals while attending court and provided ongoing general non-financial support. The key role in the Consulate in these cases is to educate the individual on how they can help themselves and learn of their rights.

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Filipina Nurse Goes An Extra Mile For Fellow Countryman Amy Tablada, a Neuro ICU Senior Staff Nurse at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, will today escort Luisa Amansec, an elderly Filipina with dementia, to her home in the Philippines. When the Consulate requested her to assist Mrs. Amansec during the flight from Dublin to Manila, she instantly said yes without a blink of an eye. "It is in my nature to help, more so a Kababayan who needs special assistance," said Mrs. Tablada. It took more than two months to arrange the repatriation of Mrs. Amansec after fulfilling Irish and Philippine social services requirements. She was collected personally by Consul Raymond, brought to the airport and safely handed over to the care of Mrs. Tablada until they boarded the plane. The repatriation was made possible with the assistance OWWA London, OUMWA and the DFA.

Day of the Seafarer – June 25 We featured a video on Joel Alama, a Filipino fisherman who died in a workplace accident in 2015.

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Support for Fundraisers The Consulate set up a fundraiser for Taal Volcano victims in January 2020 in partnership with Ten Foundations, supported Jenny Tobin Hill of the Lucan Baptist Church in setting up a fundraiser for the family of young Ashley Bombita who died tragically in December 2019, and assisted in the repatriation needs of Mia who died of cancer in December 2019.

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Support for Meat Factory Workers in Cavan •

We invited the new meat factory workers IN CAVAN to attend a course on “Building Confidence in Speaking English” (February 9, 2020)

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We Organised a Christmas Party exclusively for McCarren Meats Workers to help them settle in Cavan – Dec 28, 2019

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We invited McCarren meat workers to attend the Employment Rights Session with MRCI (August 21, 2019) and helped one of them go through depression and lack of motivation (april 2020)

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Consular Assistance: On August 2019 we provided consular assistance to meat factory workers who were taken advantage of by a rogue recruiter.

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Officers Aina & Wendell have also helped Filipinos in distress In Cork And Kildare, as well as Consulate Manager Leah Fe Liong.

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Community Engagement Philippine Consulate Dublin has initiated projects to continue to inspire and support the Filipino community in Ireland. Among them are the establishment of the Community Integration Group, Philippine Business Network Ireland, Tourism & Community Group features on the Facebook page, and youth empowerment projects.

Death Notices/Calling For Prayers For Unwell Filipinos

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Filipino Freecycle Ireland – September 20, 2020

To do our part in reducing, reusing, and recycling, launched the freecycle/zero waste Facebook Page for Philippine-related items developed by the consulate’s it consultant Tiffany O’Keefe. See https://www.facebook.com/groups/filipinofreecycleie/.

Couples For Christ Sligo 15th Anniversary We had the opportunity to meet Unit Head Alva Torres-Efondo and Joene Efondo at their celebration at Lough Key Forest Park on August 8, 2020. Consul Raymond also had a good chat with Fr. Julian Lupot about his parish in Sligo and his Consular needs. The Sligo Youth for Christ were also there to celebrate.

Mural Produced By Youth In Drimnagh - July 23, 2020 At 4:50 Pm Consul Raymond Garrett, along with Dublin's Lord Mayor Hazel Chu, attended the launch of a mural produced by youth in Drimnagh in honour of frontline workers.

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Philippine Consulate Dublin Community Zoom Meeting -Sat, 27 June 2020 1-2pm

98 people attended the Zoom meeting.

AGENDA: • Introduction to Consul Raymond Garrett and the Consulate Team • Highlights of the First Year’s activities of the Consulate • Philippine Consulate Services and how to avail of them • Plans of Community Engagement & Youth Empowerment and Education, Culture & Arts Officers • Planning of Virtual Oath-Taking of Community Leaders with the Philippine Consulate followed by a Recognition Ceremony by the Philippine Embassy London • Questions from the Community - OPEN FORUM FACILITATOR – BARRISTER NONI BARBERO NEXT STEPS: • The Consulate will post the summary of the meeting and the Consulate progress report on its website.

• The Consulate will work on Youth Empowerment, its main thrust for the year.

• The Consulate will update Google Maps on its correct location.

• The Consulate will arrange a Community Group Oath-Taking upon request.

• The Consulate will recognise the Council of Leaders once it has a final, verified list of member groups/representatives.

See Appendix C: Summary of the June 30, 2020 Community Zoom Meeting

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Outreach Party – Feb 2020

Oathtaking of Drogheda Filipino Community Officers – February 2020

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Christmas Parties – Dec 2019 Galway Filipino Irish Community

Goupo Ilonggo

Limerick Filipino Community

Paskong Pinoy - Council of Leaders

Outreach Ireland Early Christmas Party - 16 November 2019 The Philippine Consulate celebrated an Early Christmas Party for the volunteers who have helped facilitate over 20 embassy outreach missions since 2016.

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MRCI Gala Fundraiser - 30 November 2019 Consul Garrett and some of the Consulate volunteers join the Migrants Rights Centre Ireland annual fundraiser. This is the first time the consulate was represented at the event in the past eight years.

Multicultural Dance Championship - 12 October 2019 Organised by Mel G Events held at the Basketball Arena in Tallaght, Dublin. The event was well attended by local government officials and various community representatives. Kildare Filipino Community, led by Consulate Officer Aina Conway won the â‚Ź1000 Grand Prize and will compete Spain in 2020.

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Our World-Class Filipino Runners In Ireland The Philippine Consulate supported world-class Filipino runners in Ireland by promoting them on Facebook.

Rolando Espina and Rex Brillantes - who are joining the 2019 IAU 24 Hour World Championship in Albi, France on 26-27th October. Rolando Espina and Jivee Tolentino finished the Spartathlon Historical Ultramarathon in Greece on September - a 246 km run from Athens to Sparta.

Waterford Filipino Irish Community Holds Cpr Training- Oct 12 2019 Consulate Officer Wendell Bersabal attended The Irish Heart Foundation CPR training provided to the members of the community including other nationalities as well as the young people 18 years old and above.

It was a great opportunity for the non-medical individuals to be a life saver, this initiative is making individuals equipped to save lives when a situation calls.

Fiesta of the Tangubanons - 28 September 2019 Happy Fiesta SeĂąor San Miguel 2019. Consul Garrett on his first day back from the Philippines joined the Tangubanons in Newbridge, Kildare today for their fiesta with his two youngest daughters Eanna and Earra.

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Filipino Community Network (Fcn) Oath- Taking - September 22, 2019 While Consul Raymond Garrett was in the Philippines to bring home critically-ill patient Pedro Garcia, Director Vanda Brady and Consular Officer Wendell Bersabal joined the FCN to witness the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected officers 2020-2021

Lumad Nga Bisaya Grand Coronation Night -August 31, 2019 Consul Garrett and the Consulate team joined the Lumad Nga Bisaya Grand Coronation night which took place in the Scientology Community Centre, Dublin.

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Consul Raymond’s Birthday Party - 25 August 2019 Director Vanda Brady organised a small gathering which turned out to be a mini community meeting to celebrate Consul Garrett’s birthday. Was adamant to remind all attending that he was still in his 30’s.

Waterford Filipino-Irish Community Basketball Tournament- 29 July 2019 Consulate Officer Wendell Bersabal in his Consulate role as Consular Services Manager and Community Engagement & Youth Empowerment Coordinator joined the Waterford Filipino-Irish Association for the hugely successful WFIC Basketball Tournament. The event was graced by Consul Garrett, Waterford Cllr.

Eddie Mulligan, Kildare Filipino Community President Aina Conway, Nancy Perdido of Filipino Council of Leaders, Jen Alima Vice -President of Lumad nga Bisaya and Wendell Bersabal-Consular Services Manager and Community Engagement & Youth Empowerment Coordinator.

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Summer Loving With Aurabelles 24 July 2019

Luzviminda Irish Community Anniversary Night -17 July 2019 Consul Garrett joined the Luzviminda Irish Community Anniversary Night. Also present was former Consul a.h. John Ferris and LIC VP Sarah Lawlor. Consul Garrett to the opportunity to ease the years of tension between Mr. Ferris and the Consulate in Dublin and Philippine Embassy London.

Multicultural Fashion Show - 13 July 2019 Consul Garrett mixed with some of the many VIP’s at the Multicultural Fashion Show and the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght organised by AC Matilda AC Matilda Enterprise and MelGmedia Events & Productions

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Filipino Community Network Mediation - 27 June 2019 Consul Garrett attended and chaired a mediation session between two former Filipino partner groups to resolve some financial concerns. Despite a very heated two hour session all parties left on good terms with clear direction on how to proceed.

Kildare Filipino Community Flag Raising Ceremony - June 15, 2019 Consul Garrett and his two youngest children joined the Kildare Filipino Community flag raising ceremony at Pairc Mhuire Park with the traditional Filipino Bbq experience.

Philippine Flag Raising Event - 12th June 2019 The Council of leaders organised a flag raising ceremony in the Catholic University School Dublin.

Celebration of the Filipino Community Network at Glasnevin - June 8, 2019

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Philippine Independence Day Celebration - Council of Leaders, Gresham Hotel, June 8, 2019

Inner City Helping Homeless - June 8, 2019 Director Darren Smyth organised a meeting with Inner City Helping Homeless to find out what services they offer and explore how it can work with Philippine Consulate Dublin.

Kildare Filipino Community Grand Santacruzan Parade - 25 May 2019

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Santacruzan Crumlin - 25 May 2019

Youth Empowerment Philippine Culture Zoom Lessons for Kids - September 5, 2020 Director Vanda Brady started a Zoom Class of eleven 4-11 year old kids from Cork, Cavan and Dublin. They had a short but sweet taster session about the beautiful country their parents are from, counting from 1-3 in Tagalog, and why it's important to learn about their roots as well as respect and appreciate other cultures.

Next week Teacher Joshua (President of Cork Youth Organisation) will be talking about Philippine street food! It has been covering various topics such as Philippine traditions, food, Corazon Aquino, and the first Philippine map computer video game. It is held on Saturdays 5-5:30pm. Among the other topics covered were carabao rice planting and cooking rice the Pinoy Way. The class has inspired other community groups to start their own online classes in Kildare and Dublin, where youth leaders teach children Basic Tagalog and Visayan words, catechism, and baking.

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Unesco’s 202 International Youth Day Through Youth Achievements And A Philippine-Inspired Song

On August 2020, Director Vanda Brady featured young Filipinos making an impact in Ireland and composed a song on youth engagement entitled “Tinig ng Pag-asa” which was produced & arranged by world renowned composer, arranger and musician Diwa de Leon. The launch track was performed by international multi-awarded Filipina teen vocalist Fiona Vargas. The project has been promoted in 99.1 Spirit FM and 95.9 Radyo Totoo Philippines, the media arm of the Archdiocese of Lipa. The ethnic-flavoured tune, which is about encouraging young leaders to be involved in the policymaking process to effect positive change in their communities, was created to honour UNESCO International Youth Day 2020 themed “youth engagement for global action.” Embellished with unique Philippine indigenous instruments such as the kulintang, kubing, piri bamboo flute, kudyapi, bungkaka and tungatong, the song is an entry to the 2020 International Songwriting Competition (World Music and Unsigned Category), an annual international contest judged by a prestigious panel of music industry professionals. The song is being promoted by various Filipino vocalists and musicians who have performed it in their own unique renditions. More tracks will be sent by artists across the globe who are passionate about promoting youth empowerment.

Diwa de Leon, producer and arranger of “Tinig ng Pag-Asa”

https://youtu.be/kC46xywN9xU

Fiona Vargas, 2020 Silver Medalist of the World Championship of Performing Arts, 2019 Ireland’s Talent Search Contender, 2018 Kildare’s Got Talent First Runner Up, and 2018 Role Model for Social Inclusion of South Dublin Council.

Justine Afannte, 2020 The Voice UK 2020 Winner

https://youtu.be/YD43Y1yjMQk

Liv Gregorio, Musical Theatre Performer in Co. Cork Ireland who was the youngest Semi-Finalist of Ireland’s Got Talent 2019 Rodelle Borja, Semi-Finalist of Ireland’s Got Talent 2018

https://youtu.be/NEoMKVbJEKo

Nigelle Ramos, BA in Commercial Modern Music at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) Dublin.

https://www.facebook.com/Voice OfHopeSong/videos/71160053609 1956

Nathaniel Hembrador, Guitarist & BS in Information Technology at South East Asian Institute of Technology at Tupi

https://youtu.be/pKvmDaXUC48

10-YEAR-OLD CORK MUSICAL THEATRE SINGER LIV GREGORIO PERFORMS "TINIG NG PAG-ASA"

https://youtu.be/NEoMKVbJEKo

Orly Delos Santos

https://youtu.be/65Fhg-onIHs

Tinig ng Pag-Asa – KARAOKE VERSION

https://youtu.be/P__xMH1zJMk

https://youtu.be/XduapcTDpUA

https://youtu.be/CcMwbgaQa6s

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VOICE OF HOPE FUND FOR TEN FOUNDATIONS & ROTARACT

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for Ten Foundations and Rotaract https://www.gofundme.com/f/VoiceofHopeFund. Ten foundations is a Belfast-based registered charity in Northern Ireland, UK that supports vulnerable children, adults and families living in Balayan, Batangas, Philippines. Since 2012, it has impacted the lives of dozens of women from the region, and by the extension of their children and families, hundreds of people in their community by running a livelihood programme, including a scholarship programme, skill building and medical missions. The scholarship programme started in 2015 to help young people from poor families living in the Balayan area. They initially we worked closely with Balayan National High School to identify those students with the greatest needs. Since then, several have graduated: 3 high school teachers, 1 social worker, 1 business management graduate and 1 in tourism graduate. Currently they have 18 scholars enrolled in the programme at various levels of education. They also have two medical aides who are joining the scholarship programme.

MAY TANUGAN IS THE FIRST SCHOLAR OF THE BELFASTBASED CHARITY THAT HELPS VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND PARENTS IN BALAYAN BATANGAS.

https://youtu.be/9KC7aJ9gf9Q

The Rotaract Club Of Greater Gensan-Stratford International School Chapter is composed of young men and women ages 18 to 30 dedicated to community and international services. The club also aims to develop professional and leadership skills among its members through club-initiated activities in the community and is sponsored by Rotary Greater Gensan that which provides guidance and support in making the club true "partners in service" and key members of the family of rotary. They are running a tutorial programme for elementary students called Klehe’w Akbasa (in native B’laan dialect means “happy reading”) in which 118 children in Mindanao who are affected by school closures due to the covid-19 pandemic are being taught how to read by 40 youth learning volunteer heroes who are licensed professional teachers in the Philippines.

International Youth Day, August 12, 2020 Since Consul Garrett’s appointment, Youth Empowerment is one of the main thrusts of the Consulate led by Officers Aina Conway in Kildare and Andres Bersabal in Cork. The month of August was dedicated to Youth Engagement for Global Action, which is the theme of UNESCO’s International Youth day. An essay writing and artwork contest was held and winners Hans Gayuta and Sean Abarico were awarded cash prizes and certificates by Consul Garrett on August 14.

Filipino youngsters who have made an impact in Ireland such as Nicai de Guzman, the Youth for Christ in Sligo, Joshua Martinez Manaid, Antonio Miguel Ancheta, and Shane Valiente O’Shea the Youth Volleyball Team in Cork were featured.

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YOUTH ORGANISATION, KILDARE FILIPINO COMMUNITY - August 2, 2020 Kildare Filipino Community as they celebrated the oath taking of their very first elected officers of the youth group, YO KFC.

Pinoy Youth In Cork Share Their Experience Growing Up In Ireland As A Filipino July 14, 2020 Consulate Officer Wendell Bersabal is an avid support of the Cork Youth Group. Its Officers Josh Martinez Manaid (President), Ella Valencia (Vice President) and other young Pinoys in Cork shared their experience growing up in Ireland as a Filipino with Research Scholar Diane Nititham. Diane is a Sociology Professor in Murray State University who is conducting her third series of interviews for her research project "Filipino Irish Lives: On Diaspora, Belonging, and Citizenship." The purpose of this study is to examine Filipino migrants' social practices and participation in Irish society. Empowering the Filipino Youth in Ireland is one of the main thrusts of the Consulate's Community Engagement Programme. The youth group also meets regularly for various projects.

Cork Institute Of Technology- February 2020

A Filipino youth group featured the Philippines at the Cork International Students Society event in February 2020.

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Other Youth Events supported by Consulate Officer Wendell Bersabal:

Student Award - 16 November 2019

Consul Garrett issued a Certificate of Appreciation to the Filipino students of Coolmine Community School on Nov 16, 2019 for their efforts in the promotion of Philippine Culture and Tourism. In May 2019, the students secured a spot in Blanchardstown, one of Ireland’s biggest shopping centres which got great attention, and among the many visitors was TD Joan Burton who is the former Tånaiste (Deputy Prime Minister). In his remarks, Consul Garrett thanked the students and their teacher Ms Trudy O’ Hara for her assistance, and highlighted how the students in taking these actions are acting as Ambassadors for their home country.

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Consul Garrett Inducted the Cork Youth Organization Launching and Oath Taking of Officers at the Cork Roadshow in Oct 2019

PROMOTION OF PHILIPPINE BUSINESSES Apart from the newly formed Philippine Business Network Ireland (See COVID 19 Section) and the businesses who sponsor the Outreach missions, the Consulate promotes Filipino businesses in Ireland.

Opening Of Gc Pinoy Store In Kildare – November 20, 2020

At Newbridge Co.Kildare, Ronelyn and Joy Cavan cut the ribbon to open her shop GC Pinoy Store to the public for the very first time surrounded with friends and families. Officer Aina Conway was there to join the opening.

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Visit to Filipino Cafe / Bakery Dasco DeLi On August 26, Consul Garrett visited and had a meal at a Filipino-owned café in Limerick.

Maynooth Businesses – October 17 2020 & May 31 2019 Consul Garrett together with Labour Attaché Reyes and Philippine Consulate Dublin Director of Trade and Business Development Darren C. Smyth met Filipino business owner Terry Varinder. Ms Varinder is owner of Maynooth Flowers in Manor Mills Centre, Maynooth, Kildare. During this visit they also met with some Filipino workers in the Manor Mills Centre.

Site Visit To Cuppacity Coffee (OWWA Roadshow Oct 2019) Visit to Cuppacity Coffee & Bagels in Cobh owned by Filipino Entrepreneur Jeffrey Velasco

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Other Businesses:

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Promotion Of Philippine Culture & Tourism 4c Food Cuisine – Multicultural Cooking Demonstration – Dec 5, 2020 Vanda and her husband Shane will be cooking traditional Filipino and Irish dishes on a live online platform hosted by the Cavan Cross Cultural Community. Vanda will cook lumpiang shanghai while Shane will cook colcannon.

Women Stepping Into Leadership – November 26, 2020 Vanda has been invited to be part of an online conversation with women from ethnic minority, migrant and refugee backgrounds. Organised by Glencree All-Island Women Peacebuilders Network, Vanda will contribute to the experiences of women from ethnic minority backgrounds on both sides of the border taking up leadership positions in their local communities eg. School parent’s associations, boards of governors, community centre/sports club management committees, residents associations etc.

Resource Person For Masteral Thesis On Integration In Ireland – November 9, 2020 ORIANNE BUTERA, A FRENCH MASTERAL STUDENT AT UNIVERSITÉ LIBRE DE BRUXELLES, IS DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTEGRATION OF CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANTS AND THEIR PARENTS LIVING IN IRELAND. VANDA HAS BEEN A RESOURCE PERSON FOR HER STUDY WHICH IS STRONGLY AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. SHE WAS INTERVIEWED ON NOVEMBER 9, 2020.

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Participant In The Northerin Ireland & Ireland Prism – May 21, 2020 Director Vanda Brady was a participant in the Northerin Ireland & Ireland prism (promoting reconciliation & integration through safe mediation) peace iv research project of British red cross, Corrymeela, Artsekta & Irish Red Cross – 21 may 2020

“There is no strength without unity” Video of St. John Bosco Youth Centre Director Vanda Brady was a participant in the video project of St. John Bosco Youth Centre featuring people saying it in their own native tongue, over the background of a multi-lingual banner featuring 38 languages.

Cavan Cross Cultural Community (4C) – 24th Nov 2018, Hotel Kilmore (over 70 member countries)

Director Vanda Brady is a founding member/officer representing Filipino association of Cavan

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Directory Brady & Officer Bersabal Has Also Represented The Philippines In The Following Events In Cavan: International Migrants Day December 2019

Multicultural Day at Loreto College, Dec 11, 2019 Myra Lynch of Filipino Association of Cavan, headed by Vanda Brady, talked about the Philippines and served buko-pandan for 120 First Year students

Diversity, Inclusion & Equality Seminar Of Cavan Cross Cultural Community (4c), 23 Nov 2019 Filipino Association of Cavan participated

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Women’s Shed, Belturbet Nov 20, 2019 Sharing my migrant stories to 30 women of the Hens Shed in Belturbet

Premier Screening of “Lingua Fanca” at The Gate Cinema, Cork City – 9th of November 2019

There was a great turnout at the Premier Screening of “Lingua Franca” on Sat, 9th Nov 2019, The Gate Cinema Cork City. Consulate Officer Wendell Bersabal and the Filipino Community in Cork supported the internationally acclaimed film being officially Selected for the Venice Film Festival 2019 and the first Philippine Film to take part in the Cork Film Festival and welcoming the film crew. Writer/Producer/Director Jhett Tolentino has proposed having a fundraiser in Ireland for the screening of his film “Life is What You Make It.” Director Brady Headlined the Cavan Speaks Event, SEPT 2019 The Philippine Consulate Team congratulates our very own Director of Marketing and Communications Vanda Brady for her tireless work. Vanda Brady, 2019 Social Inclusion Awardee of Cavan County Council Chair, gave the Closing Remarks for the launch of “Cavan Speaks,” a project of The Next Chapter Cavan which was born of a desire to show the positive side of diversity and inclusion in our communities, and from its inception has endeavoured to promote inclusion and working across social and cultural divides by featuring the wonderful work of people living in Cavan. The Next Chapter is a programme for women of all backgrounds and ages across NI and the border counties to develop their ideas, build communities and support transition out of conflict. It is led by Politics Plus in partnership with the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) and Irish Rural Link which is supported by the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body SEUPB.

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Ballyjamesduff Community Festival, August 24, 2019

Taste of Cavan Public Participation Network Section, August 10, 2019

Chicken Adobo Featured in Multicultural Recipes Peace IV Project – July 31, 2019 Traditional Dishes Irish Colcannon and Philippine Adobo Recipes featured in the 4C Multicultural Recipe Book of the CMETB Fostering Shared Communities Peace IV Project. Director Brady with the Filipino Association of Cavan featured Chicken Adobo.

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Cootehill Arts Festival – 30th June 2019

Director Brady with the Cavan Cross Cultural Community set up a display of Culture & Heritage at the Arts Festival in Cootehill, Cavan. The Philippines was among the countries showcased including Vicenta Kennedy’s book “From the Philippines to Ireland: A Voyage of Discovery”. Over the years the festival has become an institution in the prominent town, bringing music and arts lovers from far and wide to enjoy concerts and other events from national and international world-class artists in an eclectic selection of special and frequently intimate venues and historic settings. Thank you to our dear friend Marisa for featuring the Philippines.

Cavan Community Irish Culture Workshop – 15th of June 2019

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Director Brady spoke eloquently and passionately about being “New Irish” or a Filipino migrant in Ireland, at the Cavan Community Irish Culture Workshop on June 15. The event aimed to promote appreciation of Irish culture and heritage, from old and new communities through language, music, imagery and more.

Mind the Brexit Gap, Cavan – 1st of June 2019 To mark the 121stPhilippine Independence Day, Director Brady with the Filipino Association of Cavan held the first cross-border Brexit conference called “Mind the Brexit Gap: Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion in the Border” in rural Lakeland County Cavan. High-profile speakers from the Philippine government as well as UN speakers, local politicians and public representatives from border region in Northern Ireland and Ireland attended the event on the 1stof June 2019 at Cavan Crystal Hotel. Labor Attaché Amuerfina Reyes and Consul Garrett engaged the Filipino Community in a conversation on what to expect if Brexit happens.

Organised by the Filipino Association of Cavan, Outreach Ireland, and the Philippine Honorary Consulate Dublin, this gathering aimed to prepare migrants and other marginalised groups during this time of uncertainty by helping them understand the possible impact of Brexit on the average, everyday citizen.

For more info see http://cavan4c.ie/first-brexit-cross-border-forum-organised-by-filipino-association-inrural-ireland

Cavan Arts Festival - May 18, 2019

Director Brady and the Filipino Association of Cavan (FAC) had the privilege to be part of the Cavan Arts Festival which was held at Con Smith Park. FAC Founder Vanda Brady talked about the book of Vicenta Kennedy “From the Philippines to Ireland” and Sociologist Researcher Diane Nititham’s book “Making Home in Diasporic Communities.” With theme “Home” Vanda talked about moving to a host country or a second home country is an opportunity to know your culture better and that it is a voyage of self-discovery and shared folk song “Bayan Ko.”

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Cavan Community Fest – 17th May 2019

Director Brady with the Filipino Association of Cavan participated in the Cavan Community Festivities & Awareness event at the Cavan Market Square by displaying the book of Vicenta Kennedy called “From the Philippines to Ireland: A Voyage of Discovery” and some Philippine crafts. Cavan Public Participation Network in partnership with Cavan FRC and several others successfully rolled out a day of Community Festivities and Awareness in the Market Square on May 17. The event brought over 30 service providers to the public of County Cavan and had an air of festive enjoyment. Street performers, kids fun time, cuisine experiences joined in with information stalls for family supports, mental health awareness, multicultural and disability services and community networks. This event was simply wonderful and all who participated and attended reflected on actually how enriched County Cavan is for having so many brilliant services at work for the people and communities of the county.

Philippine & Irish Dishes at 4C Multicultural Cookery Book Event - April 20, 2019 Over 20 countries had traditional dishes on show at the event. It was well attended, a great networking event, and was proudly supported by Breffni Integrated CLG and Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board. Director Brady and the Filipino Association of Cavan presented a unique display of the traditional Chicken Adobo dish of the Philippines and Colcannon of Ireland. The recipes will be published in a Multicultural Recipe book that will be released soon.

Teaching Filipino & Philippine Culture At Home Director Brady also created and developed a link to provide online resources on teaching Filipino at home. I developed a resource base for Filipinos to use http://pinoycraic.com/2017/09/01/teaching-tagalog-orfilipino-in-an-irish-home/

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Since September 2017, Director Brady has been teaching her two children Filipino at her home in Long Meadow View. She provides an online resource to encourage parents to teach Filipino or Tagalog at home.

Teaching another language to your children provides cultural education that is broader than that of monoracial children, giving them a more well-rounded sense of the world and have an enhanced sense of self and identity.

Philippine-Inspired Home in Cavan Director Vanda Brady built a Filipino themed home, we have been showcasing it and using it to show how Filipino cultural art and design can be integrated into a modern Irish home.

Modern Oriental Design Home with Traditional Filipino Elements, Nestled in Irish Pastures http://pinoycraic.com/filipinohomeincavan/

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Featuring Good Work Of Filipinos In Ireland

Budding Painter Cleanne Nanola

Spirit of Bayanihan of Kildare Filipino Community Builiding a Tree-House – OCTOBER 2020

The Brightlights Filipino teen vocalist group in Ireland who won top places at the World Performing Arts Competition in August 2020! Joshua Regala from Co. Meath, Ireland gets four turns at The Voice Kids UK on July 18, 2020. Congratulations, Joshua - another young talented Pinoy in Ireland to be very proud of!

Other recognised Filipinos in Ireland 69

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Visits to Filipino Workers Visit to Salt N’ Peppa Fastfood in Galway Director Vanda Brady visited a popular fast-food in a beachfront spot in Galway manned by friendly, hardworking Filipinos.

Cork – Office Wendell Bersabal Dairy Farm Workers And Fishermen In Cork

Site Visit Comerford Bakery, Kildare Roadshow Oct 2019 Meeting with Aidan Comerford - Owner and HR Manager of Comerford Brothers Bakery, a third-generation family-owned baked goods supplier in Newbridge, Kildare and a large employer of Filipino staff many of whom are now in management level positions. This visit included an inspection of the factory floor and meeting the Filipino workers.

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Site Visit Boran Packaging, Kildare Roadshow Oct 2019 Meeting with Pat English - Site Manager of Boran Packaging, manufacturer of flexible packaging. Another large employer of Filipino staff. This visit included an inspection of the factory floor and meeting the Filipino workers.

Site Visit to McCarren Meats, Cavan Roadshow Oct 2019

Site Visit to McCarren Meats who recently hired 19 Meat Factory Workers. This visited was conducted in two phases. Consul Garrett and Director Brady visited the factory during normal operating hours and met the Filipino workers on the factory floor. Following the site visit Consul Garrett and Director Brady visited a sample of the staff’s accommodation. The second phase of the visit Consul Garrett and Labor AttachÊ Reyes visited the site when it was closed for a detailed tour of the premises.

Cavan Filipino Workers Forum, Cavan Roadshow Oct 2019 A remarkably heart-warming, uplifting, informative and productive day where Filipino-Irish employees of McCarren Meats, Esker Lodge, Cavan General Hospital, Manor Farm, Castlemanor Nursing Home, Cavan Crystal Hotel, Chapter One, Kerry Foods, St. Pappins Nursing Home and workers from Meath, Longford, Galway and Dublin were welcomed and recognised by Irish government officials representing Cavan and Monaghan Senator Joe O'Reilly, Brendan Smith TD, Niamh Smith, TD. McCarren General Manager Peadar Harten and HR Manager Claire Smith also welcomed their 19 Filipino Workers. Cecilia Smith of Cavan Citizens Information who spoke about Employment Law. The event was attended by Filipino Association of Cavan, Couples for Christ Cavan-Monaghan, Filipino Community Network, and non-affiliated individuals.

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Site Visit to Powdermills Nursing Home (OWWA Roadshow Oct 2019)

Powdermills Nursing Home in Ballincollig owned by Joe Peters and managed by Filipino Director of Nursing Joy Berey, Ms Berey is also an Entrepreneur who owns a Recruitment Company.

Site visit to EY (Ernst and Young) (OWWA Roadshow Oct 2019)

Consul Garrett and Labatt Amy Reyes meet up with HR and Filipino Accountants on duty.

Consulate Officer Wendell Bersabal welcomed seafarers in Cork - September 15, 2019 Consulate officer Bersabal welcomed the newly arrived seafarers who are based out of Cork. Consulate officer Bersabal briefed the seafarers of their basic rights and entitlements as well as the services on offer through the Philippine Consulate Dublin.

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Research Studies Trinity College Dublin Survey On Filipino Migrant Nurses – Nov 12, 2020

Graduate Study Completed By Diplomat Study On Filipino Nurses – October 2020

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July 11, 2020 - An Insightful Discussion On Filipino Irish Lives In Ireland We had an engaging and enlightening discussion with researcher Diane Nititham on her PhD study entitled "Filipino Irish Lives: On Diaspora, Belonging, and Citizenship." The purpose of her study is to examine Filipino migrants' social practices and participation in Irish society. Thank you to the Consulate Team, community leaders and non-affiliated individuals who participated and shared their insights on the current dynamics in the Filipino community in Ireland, which is full of hope and positivity, and thank you to sociologist/graduate researcher Arnie Trinidad who shared his observations on socio-cultural behaviour of Filipinos abroad.

Filipino Irish Lives: On Diaspora, Belonging, and Citizenship -20 July 2019

The first of a series of Focus Group Discussions and Individual Interviews with Murray State University Research Scholar Diane Nititham on her study “Filipino Irish Lives: On Diaspora, Belonging, and Citizenship,” which is a follow up on her 2006-2009 research project. The purpose of this study is to examine Filipino migrants' social practices and participation in Irish society. It will analyze laws governing entry and settlement, as well as how rights and entitlements have impacted Filipinos migrants’ sense of belonging. If

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you have participated in the original study and/or you are a community organizer, activist, or researcher involved with the Filipino migrant community in Ireland, you are welcome to participate. Please let us know by contacting 0879501678 or vanda@philippineconsulate.ie so we can arrange a schedule. Diane will be here until the 3rd of August, then in December, then again in May next year. Thank you.

Primary Investigator: Diane Sabenacio Nititham, PhD, Department of Political Science and Sociology, Murray State University, Kentucky, USA For her ongoing study which aims to examine Filipino migrants' social practices and participation in Irish society, Vanda organized interview sessions for primary investigator Diane Nititham.

Kape At Kwentuhan: A Coffee Event On Philippine Migrant Stories In Ireland Vanda is organising an event featuring diane’s ongoing study called which is on 06 June 2020, saturday 35pm, but this will be postponed due to covid restrictions Reactors to Diane’s study from the prism of their own research projects: Arnie Trinidad PhD in Sociology, Trinity College, Dublin Provisional Title: The Socio-Economic Conditions of Filipino Migrant Nurses in Dublin: Identity and Life Strategies Shane Andaloc: Masters in Science in Health Services Management, Trinity College Dublin Research Study: Employment Conditions of Migrant Home Carers in Ireland This study is about exploring the experiences of migrants working in the home care sector in Ireland and how the work and employment conditions is affecting job motivations and care motivations.

PUBLICATIONS TO BE FEATURED AT THE COFFEE EVENT: A Memorial Tribute to James (Jim) Kennedy by Pat Raleigh AND HIGHLIGHTING HIS BOOK “FAT GOD THIN GOD” From the Philippines to Ireland: A Voyage of Discovery by Vicenta B. Kennedy FILIPINO FORUM MAGAZINE – Mike Ancheta & Vising Kennedy

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Graduate Research The Consulate was happy to support Consulate volunteer Ms Shane Andaloc in the promotion of her Graduate Research Study “Employment Conditions of Migrant Home Carers in Ireland and how this affects their ability to continue to care for clients.�

Survey On The Filipino Community In Ireland July 2019 As part of the Outreach booking system we conducted the single largest survey on the Filipino Community in Ireland was conducted in July 2019. The survey showed that the vast majority of Filipinos are not members of community groups, that most want their views to be considered by the Consulate as an individual and not to be represented by a group.

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Information Campaign/Media & Communications DIRECTOR VANDA BRADY IS A ABS-CBN EUROPE NEWS BUREAU & JUAN EU CONN CONTRIBUTOR (MARCH 2019-Present) featuring news stories on Filipino Migrants In Ireland

Filipino Workforce Continues to Boost Irish Health Sector Amidst Pandemic – Diplomat’s Research Study Reveals – October 19, 2020 https://www.facebook.com/juaneukonek/posts/1410591252444629

Pinay Nurse Leaves Mark In Ireland, Her ‘Second Home’ – September 26, 2020 https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/09/26/20/pinay-nurse-leaves-mark-in-ireland-her-second-home Jan Hailey Reyes Coy is the first Filipina to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in Emergency Care of the Irish Association of Advanced Nurse Midwife Practitioners [IAANMP].

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‘I’ll Take Care Of Your Kids’: Pinay In Ireland Keeps Promise To Brother Who Died Of COVID-19 29 May 2020 https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/05/29/20/ill-take-care-of-your-kids-pinay-in-ireland-keeps-promise-tobrother-who-died-of-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR3qb0ci6sbOVMbxSCiWHnq948oQQsmlrVf2BB0Y0ufnjels7aewSh1Npk https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/05/29/20/ill-take-care-of-your-kids-pinay-in-ireland-keeps-promise-tobrother-who-died-of-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR3qb0ci6sbOVMbxSCiWHnq948oQQsmlrVf2BB0Y0ufnjels7aewSh1Npk

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Pinoy Nurses Working In Ireland And Stranded In PH Worry When They’re Flying Out, April 2020 https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/20/pinoy-nurses-working-in-ireland-and-stranded-in-ph-worrywhen-theyre-flying-out

“Filipina head nurse in Ireland braces for coronavirus impact,” March 24, 2020 https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/03/24/20/filipina-head-nurse-in-ireland-braces-for-coronavirus-impact

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“Border Check Or Not, Philippine Passport Holders Need A Visa To Enter Northern Ireland And The Republic Of Ireland,” 07 February 2019

“Biggest Group Of Pinoy Workers Employed At Rural Factory In Ireland,” December 8, 2019 https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/12/08/19/biggest-group-of-pinoy-workers-employed-at-rural-porkfactory-in-ireland?fbclid=IwAR1HFokj8On4qCv0GkLjV8-vTH62cg2OqMX2FwUfW9JjBY5wFgCZUfUz9H4

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Abs-Cbn Europe Correspondent “Pinoy Vocal Quintet To Hold Concert In Dublin,” Septeber 12, 2019 https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/09/12/19/pinoy-vocalquintet-to-hold-concert-in-dublin

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How The Uk-Eu Split Might Affect Cross-Border Filipinos - https://news.abscbn.com/spotlight/03/09/19/how-uk-eu-split-might-affect-cross-border-filipinos

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Liffey Champion – Entrepreneurship Encouraged Among the Filipino Community - June 15, 2019

New Ph Honorary Consul Named, 03 May 2019 https://news.abscbn.com/overseas/05/03/19/new-ph-honorary-consul-to-ireland-named

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Business Development, Trade & Investment Director Darren Smyth’s Report Director of Business and Trade Development On October 21, 2020, Director Smyth met Filipino business entrepreneurs and set up the first Philippine Business Network Ireland (See COVID 19 Section).

The Philippine Consulate Dublin team started a study to investigate the possibility of setting up a waste management recycling facility in Philippines.

On November 16th Director Smyth also organised Santa visit for the Consulate during one of Consul Garrett’s legalisation sections where children got to meet and take photos with Santa completely free of charge. Santa also distributed approximately 100 gifts with no charge to the community.

Director Smyth is in the process of planning a private trip to the Philippines to explore further trade opportunities once COVID restrictions are lifted.

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Appendices • • •

Appendix A: Summary Of Community Engagement Meeting October 17, 2020 Appendix B: “Tara Usap Tayo Kapatid” Dial A Friend Referral Programme Report Appendix C: Summary Of Community Engagement Meeting June 2020

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Appendix A: Community Engagement Zoom Meeting -17 October 2020, 2-3:30pm

ATTENDEES: RAYMOND GARRETT, Philippine Honorary Consul to Ireland VANDA BRADY, Director of Marketing & Communications DARREN SMYTH, Director of Trade & Business Development WENDELL BERSABAL, Consular Services Manager and Community Engagement & Youth Empowerment Officer AINA CONWAY, Consular Services Manager and Education, Culture & Arts Officer LEAH FE LIONG, Consular Services Manager Community Leaders: - Waterford Filipino Community - Drogheda Filipino Irish Community - Cork Filipino Youth Organisation - YO KFC - Kildare Filipino Community - Couples for Christ - Irish Wives - LUMAD - Galway Filipino Irish Community - MRCI – Justice for the Undocumented - Carers Association - Irish Nurses Association - Ilocano Irish Association - Filipino Workers Association - Outreach Ireland - Limerick Filipino Community

II.

OBJECTIVE: To involve the active community leaders in the following: o Learning and sharing the information on consular services to their respective communities o Sharing inspiring stories about Filipinos in Ireland o Initiating new projects and participating in online events, especially during the lockdown

III. Consul Garrett informed the community on the recent updates on Consular Services as COVID Restrictions are increased o Call for Opening an Embassy – Consul Raymond said that this will not happen in 2021 due to the pandemic, DFA budget has been redeployed to COVID-related activities. o

Call for having an Outreach in Ireland – Having an Outreach will require Embassy staff to quarantine when they arrive in Ireland and when they go back to the UK. Restrictions of the UK and Irish government will keep embassy staff away for one month which is not feasible. Philippine government restrictions do not allow Embassy staff to enter countries with high level of COVID cases, which Ireland is right now.

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Reacquisition of Citizenship – Current restrictions in the Philippines do not allow foreign nationals to enter the Philippines including Filipinos who have not reacquired their citizenship after becoming naturalised Irish Citizens. Non-Filipinos will have to apply for a visa, and the embassy website would explain which categories are prioritised under essential travel only. Travelling home for a funeral is, unfortunately, not a priority and the Consulate had to deal with difficult situations on this, but the restriction ultimately helps prevent the risk of spreading the virus. There is a call for having an oathtaking via zoom but unfortunately this is illegal, it requires a change in Philippine government legislation. However, Consul Raymond said anyone is welcome to email the embassy and campaign for these changes.

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o

Consul Raymond is in discussions with the embassy in having one or two embassy staff to come over to conduct a large batch of dual citizenship but this will depend or be controlled by the three government restrictions – UK, Irish and Philippine governments. The Ambassador is eager to hear the proposal and the embassy are happy with the idea. It will not happen next month due to the current restrictions.

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Director Brady announced that Drogheda Filipino Irish Community is preparing a signature campaign in order to help change the law on requiring personal appearance for passport renewal and reacquisition of citizenship. Drogheda Filipino Irish Community PRO Melvin Valderama said it was an idea that he and fellow officer Aaron Pundol came up with in order to address the issue on passport renewal. They are not sure if it will work or if it will be feasible but atleast they will try their best. Mr. Valderama also said that we need to try to do something instead of just wait for the law to change.

Consul Garrett said they can help change the law if legislators back home get wind of 6,000 signatures in Ireland, and if other countries follow suit. It may be an uphill battle but it is a start. He suggested to make it a strong campaign backed by evidence and get the community support, such as: It is prudent to have an embassy or a system to renew passports because: § You need a visa to travel to the UK § the travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic § the more stringent restrictions that are coming due to the UK leaving the EU § the uncertainty of Covid in the coming year or years § the financial costs that come with traveling

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Mr. Valderama gave an example why passports can be renewed in 2008 by just going to the house of Former Consul John Ferris. Consul Garrett explained that the new e-passport is now a more secure passport in that it requires retina scanning and allows far easier freedom of travelling between countries the Philippines had bilaterial agreements with relating to travel, but issuing it requires personal appearance.

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Aaron Pundol asked the difference between a Philippine and Irish passport, they are both machinereadable and with biometrics and it has only been a decade since the Philippine passport was upgraded. Since it is only a renewal and not a new application, all the data is stored in the system anyway. If it is the law to have personal appearance, he researched on it and found that Republic Act 5239 the Philippine Passport Act doesn’t even specify the requirement for personal appearance for renewal, which means it is only in the IRR, in the implementing rules. He believes even a memorandum or before an executive order from the President can simply amend it. But we are not lawyers, he supports Melvin’s suggestion for a signature campaign, and he is trying to network with a friend in Congress who can champion the campaign, and start filing an amendment of the law because it is very inconvenient to travel to renew something that has information already in the database.

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Director Brady said Mr. Pundol’s comments are valid and that he should put it in writing and send it as well to the London embassy because the more people air these views the quicker the change in legislation could be done.

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Handiego Gayeta of Waterford Filipino Community asked about when the next Dublin on Wheels will happen. Consul Garrett explained that renewal of passports can only be done in London or the Philippines and said to email leah@philippinconsulate.ie for passport extensions.

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Consular Officer Leah Liong reminded everyone that when booking for an appointment, you are allowed 24 hours to cancel (This has now been increased to 48 hours because of Level 5 restrictions).

If you do not cancel, you are banned for booking an appointment for the next four weeks. The Consul and the Volunteers risk their health when they go to the consulate to help provide services, so cancellations is a big hassle. This is also to give a chance to others who were not booked because it is fully booked, but turn out to be no-shows. Officer Bersabal encouraged leaders to be aware of the Passport Extension service and spread the information about it.

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o

Director Brady reiterated that any requests for an outreach or embassy or change in the law requiring personal appearance during the pandemic can be sent to Melvin Valderama who is preparing for a signature or email the London Embassy at Londonpe.consular@dfa.gov.ph.

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The Consulate is planning to post Q & A Live Videos and slideshows explaining its services.

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Officer Aina Conway reminded everyone that when calling the hotline, not to block their caller ID so she can call them back and to leave a message.

IV. Community Engagement o Director Brady informed the community that the objective of the meeting is 1) to encourage the community leaders to be aware of the consular services so they can relay these to their respective communities. 2) to inform them of the current and coming projects of the Consulate 3) to listen to the suggestions and concerns of community leaders 4) to encourage community leaders to initiate and participate in community projects YOUTH EMPOWERMENT o

Officer Aina Conway acknowledged the presence of the youth from Cork and Kildare in the meeting and called on to the leaders in Drogheda, Waterford, Galway and all other counties to work together in connecting or integrating all the youth groups so they can start working on projects together during the lockdown. She asked leaders to contact her and Officer Wendell Bersabal and highlighted the importance of educating the youth and getting them involved as they are our future leaders, and to hone them in what they are doing at the moment, to show them good leadership. She mentioned the Philippine Culture Zoom lessons where she asked one of the youth in Kildare to teach a few words and requested everyone to think of what else they can share in the lessons. Officer Bersabal added that they want to empower the youth and ask help from the adults in doing this.

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Officer Conway suggested to bring the best out of the youth by letting them write an essay where they share experiences during the pandemic and these can posted on the Facebook page.

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Aaron of Drogheda Filipino Community added that it is so difficult to bring the youth together in Drogheda since the lockdown and prefers to let them meet physically instead of online. Director Brady said that for now we can try to work together to let the youth meet virtually.

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Ella the Vice President of the Filipino Youth Association in Cork said that bringing the youth together and teaching about the Philippine culture will be good.

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Andrea from the Kildare Youth Group said that many youth perform the Santa Cruzan or Sto. Nino Parade but don’t understand it or why they do it, or why they dress up for it.

REACHING OUT TO NON-HEALTHCARE WORKERS & CURRENT ONLINE PROJECTS o

Officer Wendell Bersabal announced that he has reached out to workers in the non-healthcare sectors such as fishermen, dairy farmers and accountants in order to give value to what they do, and to recognise their contribution to the economy and to know their stories and experiences as well. He asked the leaders to let him know of Filipino workers in other sectors who play a big role in the Irish workforce.

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Officer Bersabal also encouraged everyone to maximise the use of social media during the pandemic, and reminded the leaders that the Consulate and leaders are here to help each other.

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Officer Bersabal announced plans for Christmas focused on the youth § Essay Writing – What you think of Philippine Christmas while in Ireland § Parol Making § Maximise talents of the youth – organise a chorale performance, especially in the Filipino language

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§

Simbang Gabi

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The Consulate reminded the community about “TARA, USAP TAYO KAPATID,” a call-a-friend referral service in various Philippine dialects to help Filipinos who are having a difficult time during the pandemic.

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The Consulate will be featuring community leaders and community groups that have been active the past year and in recent months.

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Director Darren Smyth announced the Free Zoom Seminar on the basics of starting c company, leases, licenses, promoting your business on the web, digital marketing and e-commerce in order to maximise the Potential of Filipino-owned Business in Ireland – Oct 21, Wed, 7pm. Director Brady added that the Consulate can promote the services that Filipino businesses are offering and to inform business owners to join the zoom meeting. Consul Garrett said the seminar is open to anyone with an entrepreneurial role such as home grown businesses. And that a marketing specialist will be there, Martin Eastwood, and Darren who has experience in the retail sector who can provide assistance.

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Director Brady shared that there was a request to teach certified skills-training courses with OWWA especially for the undocumented. The Consulate will consider reviving the Migrant Integration and Skills Training Ireland where OWWA-recognised courses for OFW’s will be taught, particularly courses that will help them start a business. Director Brady requested everyone to think of ideas on what courses to teach, such as IT or alterations, and if anyone knows lecturers. Online certificated courses are on demand during the lockdown.

V. CONSUL GARRETT EXPLAINS CONSULAR SERVICES AT ST. JOHN BOSCO IN DUBLIN -

Consul Garrett said he is at the Consulate office on most Fridays from 7am-7pm which is one day a week because they have to rent a Sports Hall and pay for it to be sanitized. He said percent of the people who come are medical professionals or exposed to COVID patients so preventive measures in the Consulate is essential.

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Services for Consular Services are booked through the Consulate Facebook page, you do not need to have a Facebook Account. If you don’t use Facebook please provide and email address and a phone number so the team can contact you.

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Consulate Services: o

Legalisation/Acknowledgement/Red Ribbon/Authentication – A document for use in the Philippines such as an affidavit/contract of sales, etc. which is an Oath, which you swear to Consul Raymond as a Commissioner for Oaths and he legalises it as a Consul which makes it a valid legal document in the Philippines. The fees vary for an oath, which has two local charges - €12.00 Commissioner for Oaths and the Philippine Government charges €22.50 for a legal consular document. Around €35 for one person doing an SPA and around €45 for two persons. If you come prepared the cost goes down, there is a photocopier, card payments are accepted, and there’s a small charge for each of them. The appointment is 15 minutes and you may have to wait 30-40 minutes depending how quick the people ahead of you are. Emergency cases or pregnant/with a baby are prioritised and all the normal procedures civilized people do.

o

NBI Fingerprinting – If you need police clearance from the Philippines you need NBI Clearance. You can renew your NBI clearance online if you had it prior to 2014, if not you have to do it all over again on the NBI Fingerpring Impressioning Card. The Fingerprints are taken in Dublin which the Consul will notarise it then the applicant sends it to the Philippines to have it processed. Cons NBI Fingerprinting is now available in Cork and will be available in Kildare.

o

Civil Registration – If you have a baby, if someone dies, or someone gets married in Ireland you need to register this at the Philippine government. The forms need to be notarised by either a notary

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public in Ireland that may be expensive and will cost around €100 or you can have it notarised by Consul Garrett at the office for only €22.50. o

Emergency Travel Document can be issued by the Consul for valid reasons § Example, if you have an expired Passport but need to go home – you need to give your old passport, birth certificate and/or another valid passport and you have to be a Filipino or dual citizen.

o

General Certification – example, a certification for immigration that you have tried to renew your passport but the Consulate does not provide it and the Philippine Embassy in London cannot come for an Outreach.

o

Assistance to Nationals – the Consulate helps Filipino nationals in distress. It has limitations, but the Consulate will go above and beyond the call of duty and try to help.

Director Brady added the following information: -

The Consulate is developing a contingency plan on how to address the increased COVID restrictions to better serve the community.

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The Consulate is going to: o Update its website o Develop Q & A or how-to videos and slideshows to better explain the services

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The Consulate welcomes positive comments on their work as well.

Consul Garret emphasised that the Consulate team works hard to answer calls, emails and messages to answer queries 24/7 and request people not to get angry at the volunteers who wake up at 5am to help provide the services at the Consulate, and to understand that the needs of other Filipinos are considered and assessed and not one individual alone, and sometimes be considerate to people who travelled from afar and may ask to be accommodated first to catch their bus home, and to always take responsibility in researching and complying with the requirements for the services. The Consulate is not a one-man show. The reason we get to see up to 70 applicants a day during a pandemic is because it is a team effort – some volunteers are visible and some you do not see, there is so much going on in the background. The Consul may be the front house and may be the person you see and the most visible but what keeps him going is the support of everyone beside him. The Consul thanked the whole team and the leaders who joined the meeting.

VI. Answers to Questions (from texts, comments, and at the meeting): 1.

HOW DO WE RENEW OR EXTEND PASSPORTS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPIRED? (question from Jayson Montenegro) o Consul Raymond said this question is rooted to the plans on the regularisation of undocumented migrants and that Jayson mentioned that Minister Helen McEntee committed to the policies of regularisation of the undocumented and the implementation of the plan within 18 months.

Unfortunately, undocumented migrants with expired passports have two options 1) Since you cannot travel to London, you wait for an outreach in 2021, and hope to be one of the thousand applicants who apply for a slot. With the current pandemic, if an outreach happens, fewer passports can be renewed because we have to comply with safety guidelines. 2) Go home to the Philippines by getting an Emergency Travel Document but you may not be able to return to Ireland. Consul Raymond said they are trying to find solutions but have not found one yet. Expired passports cannot be extended, and extension requires approval or clearance from the Philippine government passport watchlist.

Video appearance or applying by post for passport renewal is not allowed and is against the law. I hope that answers your question, I know it is not the answer you want but I would rather tell you the truth rather than give you false hope. o

Irene Jagoba added that a policy paper will be coming out on regularization of undocumented and will announce a new project called JFU Helping Hand. Currently, many are facing challenges due to the

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pandemic for undocumented who are in need. She will announce this project which is a miniinsurance. o

2.

Consul Raymond added that the move to regularise is due to the significant work done by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) and encouraged the leaders that if they know of any undocumented migrants to let them link up with MRCI as they are the most experienced organisation that deals with the undocumented.

HOW DO WE RENEW THE IRISH RESIDENCE PERMIT OR GNIB CARD WHEN YOUR PASSPORT IS EXPIRED? Consul Garrett said that on renewing your GNIB card, you should go to the source – the GNIB website for updated and reliable information. If your passport is expired, you can get a Certificate from the Consulate explaining that the embassy has not conducted an outreach since January and passport renewal is not offered in the Consulate and Immigration may accept this on a case by case basis.

3.

CAN WE APPLY FOR THE MULTIPURPOSE CARD IN IRELAND? UMID means Unified Multi-purpose Identification and often called UMID Card. The Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) is a four-in-one identification card that Filipinos can use to transact with government agencies such as the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund. The UMID is also accepted as a valid ID in most transactions. Consul Garrett said that it is similar to the Irish Public Service Card which you can use to access Social Welfare, but the UMID card is only valid in the Philippines. To date, no word yet if there will be a UMID online registration process and can only be applied for personally to confirm your identity and make sure that only one card is issued to you. Consul Garrett said if anyone feels that Filipinos should be able to apply for it in Ireland, please put it in writing and he will get it to the proper authorities.

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CAN WE APPLY FOR PASSPORT RENEWAL IN ANOTHER EU-COUNTRY? Consul Raymond said that the Philippine Embassy London is fully booked up to early next year but check their website for any cancellations. Philippine passport holders in Ireland are free to contact the Philippine embassy in the country they wish to travel to renew their passport to inquire if they can be accommodated with a passport renewal there. We cannot offer advice or guidance on the visa requirements for other countries. Any other EU country requires a visa.

Next Steps: -

Drogheda Filipino Irish Community to announce their online campaign for opening an embassy, having an outreach and request for no personal appearance for passport renewal and reacquisition of citizenship Community leaders to inform the Consulate on existing youth groups and Officers Bersabal and Conway will set up a chat group for these groups for coming online cultural, educational and Christmas activities, and for volunteers who want to help in any way.

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The Consulate will reviving the Migrant Integration and Skills Training Ireland where online OWWA-recognised courses for OFW’s will be taught, particularly courses that will help them start a business.

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Director Brady to post the summary of the meeting as well as the Consulate Report and summary of the last community meeting on June 2020.

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Appendix B: Tara Na, Usap Tayo Kapatid Summary Reports/ Updates As Of

16 June 2020 1. Caller/ Texter 1: Female; 27.y.o.; Married without children; Occupation: admin/ accounts Date: 24 May

Issues/ Concerns: Family relations dispute resulted to physical and verbal altercation Narrative (Summary of Actions): She and her husband where living with her cousin and family in the same house. She said that it’s been their plan to try to move out and have their own place/ privacy but it’s always postponed. Until the day that she and her cousin had serious misunderstanding that turned into heated argument and altercations. On the day she rang me, she was so upset telling and offloading her situation. She mentioned that her father (in the Philippines) recommended to report to gardai to prevent repetition and further abuse and damage. But she was hesitant/ holding back to do so for her cousin’s sake. She was still hoping that they’ll have a chance to talk it over calmly and parted ways peacefully.

Results of Actions: She was thankful and relieved after our conversation because she was able to think clearly. Few hours later after we talked she decided to file incident report to gardai. And few days later, she and her husband moved in to their new house offered by her employer.

2. Caller/ Texter 2: Female; 50 y.o.; separated with 3 children; living in with new partner; Occupation: Private Homecarer Date: 26 May Issues/ Concerns: Ex husband’s in the Philippines is having manifestations of suicidal tendency

Narrative (Summary of Actions): She was told by her household help in the Philippines that her ex-husband is showing manifestations of suicidal tendency since he usually locked himself alone in his room.

Their marriage is annulled 1-2 years ago. Her ex-husband was into drug substance abused for more or less 5 years but refused for rehabilitation and treatment because his in denial stage. He was once a teacher but due to this, he lost his job. She seemed to be worried when she was offloading her circumstances but still trying to suppress and putting a brave face/ front. She also tried to believe that her husband will not do such thing and thought that he’s just trying to seek attention. The family of her exhusband asked her to talk to him.

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Results of Actions: After conversation, she was able to think clearly and decided to find time to communicate with her ex-husband as per request from her in-laws.

3. Caller/ Texter 3: Female; 40’s (age); Married with children (?) Occupation: nurse Date: 5-6 June

Issues/ Concerns: distressed/ mental health problem Narrative (Summary of Actions): Consul Raymond Garrett rang me and handed the phone to her to try to talk. She was hesitant to talk but I managed to ask her few questions like from where she was in the Philippines and can we speak in our own dialect? She replied to me with a heavy heart and sighs and to the point of expressing herself that she could no longer had a conversation with me. So she handed back the phone to Consul Raymond.

The following day, I got a phone call from Consul Raymond informing me that she is willing to talk at 18:00 on that day. I sent her a message @ 18:20 the same day and ask her if she’s okay to talk as per referral by Consul Raymond. But 9 mins. later, she replied that she was driving to work on a night shift though she’s not well but she had to since they were still understaff. I sent a reply that, it’s okay and she had my phone number whenever she feels like chatting.

Results of Actions: She seemed to refuse and seek further help through the support helpline provided and so there is not much we can do to go further. Anyway, she was given assurance to access the support helpline anytime.

4. Caller/ Texter 4: Female; 43 y.o; Married without children Occupation: not known Date: 11 June

Issues/ Concerns: Sister is showing manifestations of depression Narrative (Summary of Actions): She was upset and crying when she phoned me regarding her sister who is distressed/ depressed and cannot be reached thru phone. She was alarmed when her niece (in the Philippines) forwarded to her the message of her sister. Her sister is a single mother with 2 children. She told me that she hadn’t talked to her sister for sometime, but only to the children (nephews). Her sister’s depression triggered with their parents' death 3 years ago in which she wasn’t able to come home and attended the funeral. It progressed/ intensified upon the death of her eldest son's father 2 years ago and it worsened during the covid-19 pandemic.

Results of Actions: She decided to ring one of her sister’s close friends or family relations to call in to her house and checked on her and the kids. Few minutes later after our conversation, she 94

sent me a message that she was able to get through and talked to her nephew on the phone and they told her that their mum were busy cleaning up. She was so relieved and happy with what she heard from her nephew and she planned to visit them as soon as possible. Four days later, she sent me a photo with her visit to her sister’s place.

5. Caller/ Texter 5: Female; early 40’s (age); Married with 1 son Occupation: Healthcare Assistant Date:. 13 June

Issues/ Concerns: Son’s depression Narrative (Summary of Actions): She had a teen age son who arrived and lived here last year. He is her son in her previous relationship. Moreover,she’s on her second week of isolation because she had covid-19. She is worried of her son because he is isolated too. Since he arrived here, he was never been connected to Filipino friends/ community especially with his same age group. Her son grew up with her grandmother in the Philippines since she was an absentee mother all his life but she always find time to bring her son abroad. And finally, she brought him here in Ireland to stay with her maybe for good but due to the covid-19 pandemic, issues & concerns raised.

She’s so worried of her son expressing regrets of joining her here and showing signs of depression due to isolation. What she was so worried is because her grandmother and cousin died of suicide years ago.

Results of Actions: During this time of isolation, she always find time talking to her son of the good times of the past years. She let him talked about his happy moments in the Philippines. She also encouraged her family relations in the Philippines to ring her son so that he won’t feel lonely. Few days later, I got a text message from her that she’s looking forward to finish her isolation and to spend quality time with her son outdoors.

6. Caller/ Texter 6: Female; 40 y.o; Married with 1 son Date: 14 June Occupation: not known Issues/ Concerns: Bothered/ Troubled

Summary of Actions (Narrative): She was telling me that she’s just a bit bothered regarding the impression of her colleagues/ co-officers of their local organisation. There might be an intrigue regarding her too much involvement of the organisation although she’s no longer in the position.

She joined the organisation two years ago. During her term of office, she was so involved and helped the organisation to be well-known in the community. She was so happy and proud of what she accomplished in that sense. And then she decided to “lie low” after working so hard for two years because she felt exhausted/ drained. But, 95

she was still representing their organization externally to other parts of the country which made her known still as president though she’s no longer. Until she felt and thought that she might overpowered the new president and this was prompted when they had a gathering that she felt the “awkwardness look” of the new president to her.

She wanted to make herself clear that she’s not after or interested with the position but her passion of helping and building up the organisation is her utmost concern.

Results of Actions: She felt better after the conversation and she came into realisation that it might be her feeling and thinking/ assumptions that the new president is threatened or insecure.

She thought that maybe it’s her over sensitivity due to her passion and dedication of work. She told me that the questions/ promptings I threw back to her during the conversation were sort of answered the thoughts that was bothering her.

7. Caller/ Texter 1: Mother with her 29 year old son Occupation: Retired healthcare worker Date:

04 June

Issues/ Concerns: A 29 yr. old son who suffers from mental problem became aggressive to his mother when he refused to go for his medical check-up.

Narrative (Summary of Actions) A mother who is looking after his 29yr old son who sufferers from a mental problem threatened her one day when the son showed aggression towards her after refusing to go for his check-up. When the incident happens, fortunately their family friend Ronnie, who happens to be one of the consulate’s volunteer immediately came to accompany and assist the mot her and son. Ronnie managed to get a quick help by calling his friend a psychiatrist who spoke to the mot her and advised that her son has to be admitted t o a hospital. The son still refused but with Ronnie’s presence he settled down. The n e x t day, Ronnie received another call from the mot her telling him that she was pushed outside their house. Ronnie called the guards but when the guards came the son went to his bedroom and pretended to be asleep.

When the guards left, the son became more violent to his mother that resulted for the guards to take him to Howth Station. Garda called out a doctor to check his condition and immediately referred the case to Beaumont hospital al where the son was finally admitted.

Results of Action: After few weeks of admission, the son was back home and is recovering well. He has a scheduled regular check by his doctor and a community nurse whilst in the

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afternoons, his mot her takes him for a walk. Mother was very delighted and appreciative by the prompt assistance of Ronnie and the rest of the support group.

8. Caller/Texter 2 : Female; Living with her Irish partner (separated with 1 daughter) Occupation: Self Employed -Food Business Date: 09 June 2020 Issues/ Concerns: A self-employed woman who recently experienced trouble with her partner due to the pandemic lockdown.

Narrative (Summary of Actions): A self- employed woman who lives with her Irish partner (separated and have one daughter) set- up a business together.

Their relationship and business was doing very well until it turned sour when the pandemic started. The lockdown affected their relationship due to isolation, less activities and with business on hold. In addition, the relationship between the woman and daughter that is still a work in progress is not turning smoothly as the daughter refuse to make amends and disrespects her in every way she can.

The woman’s partner also started blatantly ignoring her by going home late and making Various excuses in order to avoid being together. As a result, the woman became frustrated, sad and seriously depressed that she thought of committing suicide. One weekend the couple had a big fight when the partner’s mothers intervened and suggested that the woman should be taken to Newcastle Hospital as she is convinced that the woman has mental problems. The woman consulted her Doctor Psychiatrist with regards to her condition but apparently, due to her condition which is depression and not mental illness, The Doctor discarded and all medications and advise that both shall attend counselling sessions.

Results of Action: The woman and her partner went for counselling sessions with a Doctor /Psychiatrist and Everything went well. The doctor told her not to take any medication as she does not need it, gave them a list to help them work out their relationship and confirm that she was only suffering from depression with no mental problems. The woman is happier and was very pleased of the support that she received from the Consulate’s Support Group.

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APPENDIX C: Philippine Consulate Dublin Community Zoom Meeting, Sat, 27 June 2020 1-2pm

AGENDA: Introduction to Consul Raymond Garrett and the Consulate Team Highlights of the First Year’s activities of the Consulate Philippine Consulate Services and how to avail of them Plans of Community Engagement & Youth Empowerment and Education, Culture & Arts Officers Planning of Virtual Oath-Taking of Community Leaders with the Philippine Consulate followed by a Recognition Ceremony by the Philippine Embassy London Questions from the Community 98 people attended the Zoom meeting and the following community groups were represented: MARILAG GUARDIANS IRISH WIVES ASSOCIATION TANGUBANONS PINOY BADMINTON ASSOCIATION SANLAHI DANCE CREW BARANGAY CORK KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FILIPINO COMMUNITY NETWORK COUPLES FOR CHRIST KALIWAT ILIGANON ASSOICATION KILDARE FILIPINO COMMUNITY FILIPINO YOUTH ASSOCIATION CORK DROGHEDA FILPINO IRISH COMMUNITY FILIPINO BASKETBALL CORK GALWAY FILIPINO IRISH COMMUNITY FILIPINO ASSOICATION OF CAVAN OUTREACH IRELAND LUMAD NGA BISAYA IRELAND WATERFORD FILIPINO-IRISH COMMUNITY FILIPINO WORKERS ASSOCIATION IRELAND FILIPINIO COMMUNITY NETWORK SWORDS FILIPINO COMMUNITY LUZVIMINDA IRISH COMMUNITY FILIPINO DAIRY FARMERS IRELAND JESUS IS LORD CHURCH BRAY IRELAND Guardians Brother Ireland..

Member of WORD International Ministries Ireland FILIPINO CULTURAL TEAM Mater Private Hospital Pinoy Nurses GREAT CARE CO-OP

MY FAIR HOME JUSTICE FOR THE UNDOCUMENTED DIRECTOR VANDA BRADY’S MESSAGE/SPEECH Vanda said that when the Honorary Consul role was opened to the public, it took a long time for Raymond to submit his CV. When he finally found the time to update and submit his CV on the day of the deadline, she knew from the work I have done with him and continue to do with him up to this day, that he was going to get the job. Vanda said that when people publicly questioned his ability to do the role and made baseless allegations to slander his character, she was tempted to defend him but decided not to and to let the facts prove themselves. She left it to the authorities to decide. It actually turned out well because when the authorities re-assessed their decision, they were convinced even more that they did not make a mistake in choosing Raymond. Essentially, Raymond earned the role twice over after undergoing a second round of vetting. But still, some letters of objection were sent to the Irish government, all of which were found to be irrelevant. He still got the job. Third time lucky? No! Three times worthy!!!! She is now even more confident to support and work with Raymond because it is not only me who has seen his value to the community from the start. I was not the only one who trusts him. Both the Philippine government and the Irish government believe and trust him. Herself and the rest of the team, and the volunteers share our knowledge and skills and our passion to help others. They will continue to work as hard as they can, just like all other community leaders, in the respective areas they feel they can best serve the community. We may be a young team, but we do have skills and qualifications and the dedication to learn and help serve the community through training, research, and by using the language and technology required in this day and age. Vanda added that like everyone, they have their hands full, we have families, jobs, personal lives. But they have chosen to take on this voluntary role, and also with full knowledge that this role will often personally cost them financially to be provide these services to the community. They are eager and well-able to face the tasks and challenges ahead of us. Vanda ended by saying that they have always welcomed people who want to help and will continue to do so. All they ask for is to give the respect that is due and the understanding that, as an unfunded voluntary office of the Philippine government, they have limits with the service they can provide. They have done good work and we will strive to do better. If anyone has questions, today is the good opportunity to do so.

Q & A STARTED WITH RAYMOND INTRODUCING JOHN FERRIS, FORMER HONORARY CONSUL. Mr. Ferris spoke about the common questions that Filipinos ask him. He talked about passport services and dual citizenship.

HOW DO YOU REGISTER THE BIRTH OF A CHILD AND GET A PASSPORT? Raymond explained the process. Ferris added that if a person living in Ireland for 3 years legally that the child can get an Irish passport. He said with regard to immigration questions they can contact John Ferris because that is out of the Consulate’s remit.

HOW WOULD YOU GET A PASSPORT FOR NEW BABIES WHEN THERE IS NO OUTREACH MISSION IN IRELAND? Ferris explained to her that if one of the parents is already in Ireland for more than 3 years he or she can get an Irish passport for the child.

HOW ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE HERE FOR LESS THAN 3 YEARS?

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Consul Raymond explained that they have to wait for an outreach mission or if there was an emergency then they can be given an emergency travel document and get a passport in the Philippines.

WHAT IS RAYMOND’S STAND ON THE PHILHEALTH INCREASING THE FEES FOR OFWS? Consul Raymond replied he is aware of it but said “I don’t have and I don’t think it is appropriate for me to give an opinion. It is a matter of Philhealth. The person who has a concern can raise it to Philhealth or should contact their local government official.

WHAT WILL THE CONSULATE DO FOR THE UNDOCUMENTED? Consul Raymond replied “The Consulate does not distinguish documented and undocumented because all services are available to all. In relation to campaigning for the regularisation programme, it does not fall under our remit and it is not appropriate for me to campaign for the Irish government to give amnesty to people who did not follow the law. But MRCI is doing great work on that. It is not appropriate for the consulate to even comment on the subject.”

IS THERE ANY PLAN TO OPEN A JOLLIBEE IN IRELAND? Consul Raymond replied that he and Director Vanda Brady met the person in charge of Jollibee when they were in London. Jollibee is considering opening one but it requires a substantial investment of1.5M franchise fee and the market here is significantly smaller. There is not enough Filipinos to open a Jollibee but it will also take a long time to educate the Irish market to get to like Jollibee.

JOSHUA, A YOUTH LEADER IN CORK, ASKED ABOUT THE PLANS OF THE CONSULATE IN PREVENTING RACISM AND BLACK LIVES MATTER Consul Raymond said that he is very impressed by the work that Joshua’s group is doing, however this can be discussed further in another meeting. Vanda said she will get in touch with him about organising a youth event where he can speak about racism and BLM. JOSIE ROBERTS ASKED HOW DO YOU REGISTER A COMMUNITY ORGANISATION ON THE CRO? Consul Garrett said community organisations have no legal need to do register. But Barrister Nonito recommended that if there is money involved, all community organisations should be registered.

While there is no legal requirement to register a small community organisation, if you are dealing with money it may be best to register. Barrister Nonito also suggested to refer Josie to Cres Abragan who is familiar with the CRO registration process.

REMY CABALLERO ASKED HOW TO HELP NEW NURSES SETTLE IN IRELAND AS THEY ARE EXPERIENCING A LOT OF CHALLENGES WHEN THEY ARRIVE. Vanda replied that Cres Abragan suggested getting in touch with the International Nurses Section in INMO if there are general queries about Adaptation, Aptitude Test, Immigration Concerns, and Social Policy.

JOSEPH REID ASKED IF THERE IS A STANDARD PROCESS OF REPATRIATION AND WHAT IS THE STANDARD COST BECAUSE A LOT OF FILIPINOS ARE ASKING. Consul Raymond replied the process has not changed the past 8 years. He has been involved in repatriating every Filipino citizen who has passed away in Ireland and said it is a very simple process.

In terms of the cost, it varies greatly and that he has been able to deal with a couple of funeral directors. “I get an average of 3000 eruros for a full-service cremation, 4500 for full service a burial, and about 5000 for a repatriation to Manila.

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VICKY LIBUNAO OF THE COUNCIL OF LEADERS SAID THAT THE COUNCIL OF LEADERS IS DISAPPOINTED THAT CONSUL RAYMOND SAID IN THEIR PHONE CONVERSATION THE HE WILL NOT RECOGNISE THEIR ORGANISATION Raymond responded that the community meeting is not the place to talk about it, but since she has raised it, then so be it. Raymond said he received a letter from a person claiming that a list of organisations under the Council of Leaders wants to be recognised. Raymond said that he looked at the list and called about thirty percent of the people on the list and every one of them said that they did not receive the letter, they did not see the letter, they did not ask the Council of Leaders (COL) to represent them, and some informed him that they have specifically wrote the Council of Leaders that they don’t want to be part of the COL that they don’t want COL to represent them. On the basis of the 30% that did not want to be represented, Consul Raymond went back to the person who wrote the letter, explained the situation and gave them the opportunity to re-submit a letter with a more accurate list, and told them that as it stood, with the letter they gave, he cannot recognise them for the purpose of this meeting as the Council of Leaders, as they have misrepresented themselves. The Consul believed that the Council of Leaders submitted a fraudulent list and despite being offered the opportunity to rectify the list, he said they cannot be recognised as the Council of Leaders for the purpose of this meeting.

He said that when Outreach Ireland conducted the large survey of Filipino nationals in Ireland, the vast majority did not want to be represented by an umbrella group. “The Council of Leaders started off on a good path but seemed to have drifted off the rails recently.” The people he contacted on the list, some have already registered for the Community Meeting, and some did not know about it.

Some did not represent the group that they claim they are leading.

Vicky then clarified that it wasn’t her who sent the letter and that it was Joseph Reid. Consul Raymond said that as Chair, she should be taking full responsibility for the contents of the letter and she should have assumed approval of any letter representing the Council of Leaders in advance. And if she didn’t, he can only assume that she Vicky, as the Chairman of the group, should be aware of the letter. She is responsible for the letter her organisation sent.

Consul Raymond added that he is confused with the way the Council of Leaders is currently represented. First it was FCN, then there was the Council of Leaders, and then there was a Committee that the Former Consul formed for his campaign to be the next Consul.

Vicky said that the Council of Leaders has been ignored by the Consulate, that Consul Raymond caused the strain. Consul Raymond said “I am not aware that I have caused any strain. I have been quiet ever since the Consul role was opened to the public. All I did was continue to work hard to help the community. I have never commented about anything in relation to the Consul role.” He said he has attended the council of leaders events and have paid around €450 to show support.

Consulate Officer Aina said that she is part of the Council of Leaders and so are others who are with her in the community meeting, which means that the Council of Leaders is represented and has not been ignored. Aina also added that she will not accept that Consul Raymond will not recognise the Council of Leaders because they represent the majority. Consul Raymond said he can’t accept that because the majority of the organisations do not want to be part of an umbrella organisation and have their own say. He suggested that the Council of Leaders should sort their internal issues themselves, and until he is given a verified list then by all means he will recognise the COL. “As far as I know, there are only 4 and 5 organisations under the Council of Leaders.” He said to let the Council of Leaders sort whatever needs to be sorted first. He is aware that there is an election coming up in

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September and that will give clarity. The current chair was appointed to be the chair of a subcommittee, that is a smaller a committee. She was a chairperson of a steering committee, which is a sub group. He does not know how the chairperson of the steering committee became the chair of the COL. He is hoping that between now and the election it can get back on track and start doing the good work they have started or planned to do, and that there will be that needed transparency that will finally give the community a clearer understanding of what is happening.

Vanda said that Officers Aina and Andres can deal with the Council of Leaders issue as they are in charge of Community Engagement. Vanda said that in her opinion, she prefers working in a small group and not a big umbrella group as it is less complicated. Raymond disagreed and said that a big umbrella group can be good, like there were big events in St. Anne’s Park before that were successful. Joseph Reid then added how he was part of the success of that event.

Vicky Libunao said that the Council of Leaders is willing to work with the Consulate. Joseph Reid then said that everyone should work together for the benefit of the community.

After the Q&A there was a recap on the meeting. Vanda Brady summarised that the Consulate has attended 25 community events and the Consul has dealt with 9 emergency cases. She and Consul Raymond reminded the attendees about Consulate services and emphasised that passport extension is now available and to let people know about it, and that the Consulate welcomes all community groups and individuals in all its activities.

Next Steps: - The Consulate will post the minutes of the meeting and the Consulate progress report on its website.

- The Consulate will work on Youth Empowerment, its main thrust for the year.

- The Consulate will update Google Maps on its correct location.

- The Consulate will arrange a Community Group Oath-Taking upon request.

- The Consulate will recognise the Council of Leaders once it has a final, verified list of member groups/representatives.

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