31 August 2004 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo hailed the efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman to reach out to Filipino nationals in their jurisdiction, as he encouraged other Philippine Foreign Service establishments to emulate the example set by the Embassy and Muscat and other Philippine Posts proactively pursuing the third pillar of Philippine foreign policy of giving assistance to Filipino nationals overseas.

“I congratulate the Philippine Embassy in Muscat for taking a proactive stance in reaching out to our compatriots under its jurisdiction.  As I have said, in spite of the ongoing austerity measures, no expense shall be spared when it comes to assisting Filipino nationals abroad,” Secretary Romulo said.

“I encourage more Philippine Posts to follow the example of our other Foreign Service establishments in making the first move to reach out to Filipino communities in their area.  Filipinos abroad must see that the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is reaching out to and assisting Filipino workers all over the world,“ the Secretary said.

Philippine Embassy in Muscat Chargé d’Affaires Giovanni Palec and Welfare Officer Arturo Gamolo went to Salalah City in the Governate of Dhofar in Southern Oman on 25 to 27 August 2004 to provide consular and OWWA services to the members of the Filipino community there.  There are about 900 Filipino workers based in Salalah, some of whom have brought their families with them.  The City of Salalah is about 1,000 kilometers south of the Omani capital Muscat, where the Philippine embassy is located.

While meeting with the Salalah-based Filipinos, the consular team informed them of the requirements for the issuance of passports and other documents, as well as for enrolment in OWWA membership.  Mr. Gamolo explained the benefits of becoming an OWWA member while CDA Palec clarified documentation services and procedures such as authentication.

In addition to the briefings and consular services, the embassy officials dialogued and established coordination linkages with the Filipino community in Salalah.  Both sides look forward to closer coordination and cooperation in the future, especially in matters relating to the promotion and protection of Filipino workers in Salalah.  END.