In its desire to deepen its relations with the Filipino-American community and enhance cultural awareness and interest in the Philippines, the Consulate took part in various social and cultural functions tendered by Filipino-American organizations and initiated cultural and information exchanges and dialogues.

The Consulate also disseminated and promoted Philippine arts and culture and maintained an active partnership with the Filipino-American community in its various cultural activities and programs. The Consulate also assisted some organizations in their cultural activities by providing them with video tapes, display paraphernalia, promotional information program with its various stakeholders.

The Consulate kept the public abreast of developments relating to its services or the concerns of the Philippine government. It worked in close partnership with the protection of the basic rights of the persons involved. Assistance from government institutions and non-governmental organizations was also successfully obtained and made available to beleaguered Filipino nationals. Post made sure that Filipinos facing criminal charges but could not afford competent legal assistance were assigned state-funded public defenders, and that the latter paid due attention to our nationals’ cases.

Deportation cases, in particular, were dealt with judiciously prior to issuance of a Philippine travel document, as requested by the local immigration authorities. In these instances, the Consulate took steps to ensure that due process of law is observed at every stage of the proceedings, and that any action taken was consistent not only with laws of the United States, but also with relevant treaties and international agreements.