PH consulate eyes aid for Filipinos

The Philippine Honorary Consul to the CNMI and the Philippine Consulate General in Guam are exploring ways on how to help Filipinos on Saipan and Tinian who were affected by Super Typhoon Yutu.

Philippine Honorary Consul Glicerio Arago said he is working closely with Philippine Consul Marciano De Borja in Guam in exploring ways of how they could provide immediate assistance to Filipino nationals in the Northern Marianas who were affected by Super Typhoon Yutu.

“We have been working closely with our Philippine Consulate General in Guam in providing whatever we can to our affected Filipino brothers and sisters,” he said.

“While we await the approval of our request, I join our kababayans (countrymen) in solidarity and hope that we all can get through this difficult and challenging period,” he added.

According to a press release from the Office of the Honorary Philippine consul, as reports of damage, including loss of properties and possessions, come to light from the catastrophic impact of Super Typhoon Yutu, the Honorary Philippine Consular Office to the CNMI has already proposed free passport application for those with lost or destroyed passports, free affidavits, declarations and certifications relating to Super Typhoon Yutu, and free expedited travel documents if passport is lost/destroyed for those who needs to immediately return or be repatriated to the Philippines.

It is expected that a number of Filipino workers will need these documents when applying for federal relief assistance in the name of their children.

The Philippine Consular Support Office at Finasisu can also facilitate and process the assistance and entertain inquiries. The support office can be reached at (670) 233-6293.

Much-needed relief items that are needed include clothing, towels, solar chargers, mosquito repellents, tarpaulins, large plastic storage containers, blankets, personal hygiene kits (hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, dishwashing soap, laundry soap), and food items (rice and canned goods).

Arago said his request for relief assistance is in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Guam. Once approved, the distribution of relief assistance to Filipino nationals on Saipan and Tinian will be done with the help of various Filipino organizations.

The distribution of relief goods is being proposed to take place this month during the Philippine Consulate General Consular Outreach Mission.