Philippine Embassy in Lisbon Celebrates Women’s Month, Showcases ATN Services, and Highlights “Bagong Pilipinas” Vision During Consular Outreach

Lisbon, 8 March 2024 – In a landmark event last Sunday, 3 March 2024, that coincided with the celebration of Women’s Month, the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Madrid, conducted a consular outreach program for the Filipino Community. The event was a multifaceted gathering that highlighted the Embassy’s Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) services, presented the Philippine Government’s vision of “Bagong Pilipinas” under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and celebrated the vital role of women in society.

The outreach event commenced with the MWO-Madrid providing vital services directly to the Filipino community. This session focused on the specific needs of migrant workers, offering a range of services including Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) membership, work contract verification, welfare assistance, and labor-related advice. The MWO’s efforts underscored the Philippine government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and rights of its citizens working abroad.

The program then transitioned to a briefing by Ambassador Paul Raymund P. Cortes on the ATN services offered by the Embassy. This information session was designed to educate Filipinos living abroad on how they can be assisted in emergencies, covering a broad spectrum of services aimed at addressing legal, medical, or repatriation issues. The Embassy’s comprehensive ATN services discussed include assistance in facilitating repatriation to the Philippines, managing death cases including the shipment of remains, assisting in human trafficking cases, monitoring cases in court, locating missing Filipino nationals, and providing notification and assistance to detained or arrested Filipino nationals, including jail visitation.

The event’s highlight was the in-depth presentation of the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. This segment of the program outlined the administration’s ambitious strategies for economic growth, sustainability, digital innovation, and infrastructure development.  The “Bagong Pilipinas” vision aims to foster a more inclusive, prosperous, and resilient Philippines, ensuring the well-being and upliftment of every Filipino.

The celebration of Women’s Month ended with a group photo of the Embassy officers, staff, and the Filipino community wearing purple in solidarity for gender equality and recognition of women’s vital contributions to society. The March 2024 Outreach Program highlighted the dedication of the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon and MWO Madrid to serving Filipinos abroad, advancing the national development agenda, and building a supportive and empowered Filipino diaspora in Portugal