12 October 2005 -- The Philippine Embassy in Ankara, Turkey reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that as part of the Embassy's main activities for the Filipinos in Istanbul, where the most of the 2, 000 Filipinos in Turkey reside, a consular  a team led by Ambassador Ofelia B. Casta?o conducted an outreach program on 09 October 2005.

The outreach program began with a mass at the St. Esprit Cathedral, which serves as one of the main meeting points of the Filipinos in Istanbul.  After the mass, the Embassy team proceeded to the adjacent Caritas Social Hall to render consular services and provide information and advice to the employment and residency issues raised by the Filipinos.

In all, the Embassy received more than 50 passport applications as well as several requests for notarial and legalization services. The Embassy team was assisted by members of the Filipino community in Istanbul led by Ms. Name Ventura.

In addition, Ambassador Casta?o took the opportunity to introduce Mr. Rasim Zaimoglu, the incoming Philippine Honorary Consul General in Istanbul, to the 200 Filipinos who attended the day-long program. Consul General Zaimoglu, who has an extensive business and political network in Turkey, was warmly welcomed by the Filipinos. Zaimoglu added that he will immediately open his office in Istanbul as soon as he receives his official acceptance from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is expected to be released shortly. Zaimoglu also vowed to increase trade relations between the Philippines and Turkey.

The outreach program also included an information campaign for the continuing registration for the Overseas Absentee Voting Program. Forms, brochures and other materials were distributed and inquiries were addressed by a separate OAV-assistance desk.

The Embassy hopes to increase the number of overseas voters from the Filipinos in Turkey and shall be sending subsequent consular teams particularly dedicated to the OAV program before the end of the year. END