DUE TO LOW DEMAND IN FILIPINO COMMUNITY

The Philippine Consulate General is looking at stopping its One-Saturday or Sunday-A-Month consular services this year due to the shrinking population of Filipino workers in the CNMI and as part of its cost-cutting measures.

Consul General Medardo Macaraig said yesterday that he disclosed this development during a meeting with Filipino community leaders Thursday evening

“The weekend services are under review because of the low demand and the high utility costs here in the CNMI,” Macaraig told Saipan Tribune.

He noted, however, that Filipino workers who only have the weekends free to avail of consular services can still be accommodated provided that they inform the Consulate and make an appointment at least two days in advance when they plan to come in for any specific consular service.

“They can still be considered but it is still subject for review and approval by the Consulate,” he said. “The moment that we need to offer the weekend services again, we can easily open it once more.”

He emphasized the need for the Consulate to find ways to reduce costs, and one way is to stop offering the weekend services.

“Because of the low demand brought by the decline in the number of Filipino workers in the CNMI, we have to think of ways to minimize our cost without sacrificing the services rendered,” he explained.

Still, Macaraig said they will maintain their 8am to 6pm schedule on weekdays to continue serving Filipinos in the Commonwealth. “That schedule will continue since it only has minimal impact in our expenditures,” he added.

According to Macaraig, the Department of Foreign Affairs has the option to open, close, downsize or even downgrade a post based on its policy. In the case of the Consulate in the CNMI, it will most likely downsize, said Macaraig.

In fact, he disclosed that the consulate has not filled two positions that were vacated last year by Romy Garchitorena and Rey Madrilejos.

This year, two more staffers are expected to leave the Consulate. Another three from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office are also expected to vacate their posts.

“Given our economy, this is how it’s going to be and we can’t really do anything about it. But we vow to continue serving the Filipinos who are still here to the best of our ability,” added Macaraig.