3 October 2005 -  Philippine Ambassador to Ottawa Francisco L. Benedicto reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy conducted another consular clinic in at the Philippine Centre in Van Horne, Montreal, Quebec, on Sunday, 25 September, that drew scores of Filipinos in Montreal and nearby cities in the province of Quebec.

Ambassador Benedicto said the consular clinic “is another laudable example of bringing government services closer to the people.”

The Consular Team was composed of  Consul General Joey Angeles, Vice Consul Rhen Rodriguez, Yoly Ofiana, Angie Conag, Lally Alberto, Al Rosales and Jiji Gonato.  They were assisted by officers of the Philippine Association of Montreal and Suburbs, Inc. (FAMAS).

The consular outreach program  is a regular project of the Embassy, in coordination with the FAMAS, to assist kababayans, primarily caregivers,  who only have weekends to attend to the renewal of their passports and other consular needs.

The team assisted applicants in renewing their passports, filing National Bureau of Investigation clearances, as well as  in their various notarial requirements. Members of the team also fielded queries from the public regarding the reacquisition or retention of Philippine citizenship and the Philippine Government’s balikbayan program.

Ambassador Benedicto said the next consular outreach of the Embassy is scheduled on 27 November 2005.  END