Will you accept walk ins?

No. As a policy, all consular applicants are required to have a confirmed appointment prior to coming to the Consulate.

Will there be considerations for ballot drop offs as another option aside from mailing them to the Consulate?

Yes, a ballot receptacle box will be provided at the Philippine Center for voters who wish to personally drop off their sealed accomplished ballots.

Will there be a courtesy lane for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and others with special circumstances?

As a policy the Philippine Consulate General in New York requires all consular applicants to have a booked appointment prior to coming to the Consulate. The Consulate may give exception to meritorious cases, such as those with valid and immediate urgency to their requests. To make a request in case you are unable to book an appointment, you can send an email so we can review the merits of your particular situation to: newyorkpcg.notarials@dfa.gov.ph for Notarization, newyorkpcg.dual@dfa.gov.ph for Dual Citizenship, newyorkpcg.passport@dfa.gov.ph for Passport applications. All requests are subject to evaluation and approval is not guaranteed.

Will the Consulate be open on the weekend of May 7-8?

Yes, the Consulate is open 24 /7 for the entire voting period (including weekends and holidays) from 09 April 2022 to 08 May 2022 for registered voters who wish to personally drop off their ballots at the Consulate. The Consulate will be open on 09 May 2022, the last day for the casting of ballots until 7:00 a.m. Ballots received after 7:00am will no longer be counted.

Will my foreign spouse, who will travel with me to the Philippines, be required to secure additional travel documents from the Philippine Consulate before leaving?

The answer would depend on the intended period of stay in the Philippines and if the spouse is a visa-required national under the Philippine visa regulation. Foreign spouse (as well as children) included in the visa waiver category may avail of the Balikbayan-Program for stays of up to one (1) year. Otherwise, they would need to apply for an appropriate visa.

New York PCG Hosts Inaugural Pistahang Bayan to Celebrate Kalayaan 2024 with the Filipino Community

NEW YORK, 02 July 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York brought a vibrant slice of Filipino culture and heritage to the US Northeast, with the first-ever Pistahang Bayan celebration on 30 June 2024. Held at the Lincoln Park in Jersey City, this landmark event, co-organized with Filipino community leaders, drew over 3000 Filipinos from across the region.

Jointly organized by the Philippine Consulate and leaders of various Filipino Community organizations in the Northeast United States, Pistahang Bayan 2024 kicked off with a Community Mass, setting a reflective yet joyous tone for the day’s festivities.

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, in his welcome remarks at the opening ceremony, expressed appreciation for the community’s active participation and efforts to bring the gathering to fruition. He emphasized the importance of unity within the Filipino community. “The objective is simple,” he stated, “to foster unity among us as people and as a community. Now more than ever, that should be the resounding call.” He further highlighted that the event marked the culmination of the month-long celebration of the 126^th anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood.

The Philippine Consulate provided consular services under the banner of Bagong Pilipinas, a flagship program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The services offered included overseas voter registration, passport, dual citizenship, civil registration, and notarial services.

Meanwhile, the festival’s attendees enjoyed a Filipino salu-salo— a traditional feast that showcased a rich spread of Philippine culinary delights, ranging from the crowd-favorite lechon to the sweet delights bibingka and halo-halo shared among members of over 50 participating Filipino community organizations.

The event was enriched by a series of captivating performances that celebrated the rich heritage of Filipino music and traditional dances. A diverse lineup of artists took to the stage, each offering a glimpse into the Philippines’ vibrant cultural tapestry. In collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office, and in celebration of Migrant Workers’ Month, the festival also included a singing contest dubbed “Galing mo OFW”. This segment shone a spotlight on the remarkable vocal talent and artistic flair of our OFWs, providing them with a platform to shine and share their artistry with the rest of the community.

What is a fiesta without games and sports tournaments? During the Palarong Pinoy portion of Pistahang Bayan 2024, kids and those who are kids-at-heart played traditional fiesta games such as pabitin and hampas palayok. Happening simultaneously in the sports area are friendly basketball and volleyball tournaments, and a five-kilometer fun run, organized for Filipino athletes and weekend warriors, bringing the community together in an energetic display of skill and sportsmanship.

“What a fiesta feeling!” said Marivir Montebon, a past president of the Fil-Am Press Club of New York and a long-time resident of New York City. “[Pistahang Bayan 2024] had an overwhelming attendance… from NY, NJ, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, etc. There was free Filipino food, games, and dance presentations. The communities felt very much at home during this fiesta.”

Pistahang Bayan 2024 highlighted the significance of common cultural customs in uniting the diaspora and enhancing community bonds. It was more than just a celebration of Philippine independence and nationhood; it was a demonstration of the enduring cultural pride that binds the Filipino community together. END

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

New York, USA