28 October 2011 – The Filipino Community in cooperation with the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines in Dubai and the N. Emirates conducted a special consular service today with close to 200 Filipinos from Dubai, RAK and Fujairah able to renew and extend their passports.
Mr. Franie Maquinay and son were among the first to be served and was impressed by how the event turned out. “It was very good because the processing was fast and, overall, it was very organized. Appropriate information was given beforehand.” Mr. Maquinay also noted the change in the PCG premises. “It’s much better, bigger, and directions are available”.
Ms. Florecita Rivera from RAK also made the same observations. “The place is bigger and the process was fast.” Asked to comment on the Consulate General’s personnel, she said “accommodating and approachable.”
Mr. Robert Castro, who owns the Stop Over Shop in Jumeirah and has been in Dubai for 13 years noted the stark improvement in the Consulate General’s premises. “I have visited all the PCG premises, first with the one in Satwa, and I have to say this is the most beautiful and the service was equally good.”
Ms. Cleofe Guevarra noted the convenience that the special consular service created. “It’s a good public service considering it’s a Friday. Our work was not interrupted.” She gave the service a 95% mark.
Filcom President Alan Bacason who braved the morning activity thanked the PCG for its “unending support to the Filipino Community”. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa pagbukas ng kanilang opisina kahit Biyernes (off day) [I am grateful to the PCG for conducting office even on an a Friday, an off day]. I also thank the organizations who facilitated today’s activities: FilClub of Ras al-Khaima, and TROPA and the Lambunaonons for the tree planting,” referring to the tree-planting activity headed by Sr. Wafa earlier in the day. The trees were planted outside the premises of the Consulate General with different organizations like Guardians, SIGAC/SIGAW, and PICPA planting a seed or two.