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.

Philippine Textile Innovation 'KatHABI' Makes International Debut in New York City

The Philippine Center in New York became a focal point of cultural and technological convergence as it hosted KatHABI: A Textile Innovation Exhibit from 25 to 28 June 28 and the KatHABI Fashion Innovation Event on 27 June. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York, the back-to-back events marked the debut of Philippine textile innovation on the international stage.

KatHABI, a portmanteau of the Filipino words “Katha” (invention or composition) and “Habi” (weave), celebrates the masterful creation of textiles through the skillful composition of innovative materials, sustainable processes, and technologies.

The exhibit featured the latest innovations in textiles and garments made from blended natural textile fibers such as abaca, pineapple, bamboo, Philippine silk, and natural dyes. Central to the exhibition are the Natural Textile Fiber (NTF) transformation and Research and Development (R&D) output from key DOST-PTRI programs such as Fostering the Revitalization of Nascent Textile Innovations Ecosystems (FRONTIER), Bamboo Textile PH, Natural Dyes, SEDA Pilipinas (Silk), and Shoes and Footwear Accessories from the R&D on Textile-based Omnibus Solutions for the Philippine Shoe Industry Program (SAFATOS). These sustainable materials align with global trends toward eco-friendly and sustainable fashion, offering environmentally conscious alternatives in the textile industry.

Meanwhile, the fashion innovation event debuted the latest collections by esteemed Filipino-American fashion designer Anthony Cruz Legarda and acclaimed Filipino fashion icon Avel Bacudio. Legarda, known for his distinctive style that blends traditional Filipino textiles with contemporary fashion, presented his new creations, such as Haute Culture, Kawayarn, and TechStyle. These collections are made from the DOST-PTRI Research and Development (R&D) programs and were engineered through the Institute’s technology.

In his welcome remarks during the fashion show, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile stated, “The Philippines has long been a cradle of creativity, with a vibrant and dynamic creative industry that continues to thrive. The Philippine Consulate’s ongoing Philippine Fiber and Textile Promotion Program represents our commitment to this industry. This multi-year initiative aims to promote and develop our plant-based fibers, fabrics, and textiles. Through this program, we highlight how our traditional materials and techniques can be transformed and elevated through innovation, embodying the spirit of Filipinnovation.”

DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius Leaño, Jr. emphasized that the KatHABI Textile Innovation Exhibit and Fashion Innovation Event were platforms to share the many stories and experiences of the DOST-PTRI, highlighting the defining and pivotal role of science, technology, and innovation in the context of the Philippines’ rich textile heritage, and DOST-PTRI’s relationships with Filipino weavers and communities.

KatHABI marks a significant milestone for Philippine textiles as it introduced the world to exquisite designs crafted by prominent Filipino fashion designers, celebrating both innovation and tradition in one of the world’s fashion capitals. The events showcased the creativity and craftsmanship of Filipino artisans and, at the same time, opened new avenues for collaboration and growth in the global textile industry. END

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

New York, USA