DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
P R E S S  R E L E A S E
www.dfa.gov.ph                                                                        2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                                                                     Tel. No. 834-4000 
SFA-AGR-783-06                                                                                                                                                       22 September  2006

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, CHICAGO CONDUCTS SEMINAR ON DUAL 
CITIZENSHIP TO FILIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN WISCONSIN 

22 September 2006 -- Philippine Consul General to Chicago Blesila C. Cabrera reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Consulate made a presentation on the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003 (Republic Act 9225) to the Filipino American community in Madison, Wisconsin on 16 September 2006. 

Consul Patrick John U. Hilado presented an overview of the Dual Citizenship law, notably  the basic documentary requirements, benefits of dual citizenship and the procedure in applying for reacquisition of Philippine citizenship.  He also discussed the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) Act of 2003 (Republic Act 9189) and the ongoing OAV registration, informing the participants of the Comelec’s decision to extend the period for OAV registration. 

The presentation was organized in cooperation with the Philippine Association of Madison and Neighboring Areas (PAMANA) led by its President, Atty. Carmela A. Capati.  

Attorney Capati expressed the gratitude of the Filipino community to the Consulate team, stating, “they have remained Filipinos at heart even though they have taken on American citizenship.  Thanks to these new laws, they can regain their citizenship of birth.”

Consul General Cabrera also reported that Consulate staff made presentations to several community and parish-based organizations in Chicago, Toledo (Ohio) and in Des Moines (Iowa).  END

/gary

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