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.

2024 VIP Tour Discovers Negros Occidental’s Vibrant Culture and History

Bacolod City, Philippines, 25 July 2024 – The 2024 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour continued to uncover the rich culture and history of the Philippines on 23 and 24 July with a visit to various cities in Negros Occidental, namely Bacolod City, Silay City, and Cadiz City.

Upon arrival at the airport on 23 July, the delegation was greeted with a vibrant dance performance by MassKara Festival performers. After lunch, the Bacolod leg commenced with a comprehensive tour of the city. This included visits to sugar cane plantations along the Circumferential Road, the historic Lacson Ruins, and the Technology and Livelihood Development Center of the Negros Occidental Province, where items crafted and produced by local MSMEs were available for purchase. Additionally, some participants had the privilege of meeting Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson at the Provincial Capitol.

In the evening, the delegation was welcomed with a feast hosted by Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez. City officials, including Councilors Em Legaspi Ang and Jason Villarosa, welcomed the guests during the Mayor’s Night held at the Bacolod City Government Center. The event featured local delicacies, handcrafted items, and Bacolod-style slow cooked Filipino dishes such as chicken inasal, KBL (kadios, baboy, langka), and bangus paksiw. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile expressed his gratitude, stating, “We came to Bacolod City to express our thanks for bringing the MassKara Festival to New York City last year. Your generosity and hospitality, made even more evident in the wonderful feast you have prepared for us tonight, are truly appreciated.” Aside from treating the guests to performances by the MassKara Festival dancers, the event introduced other city festivities, including the Bacolaodiat Festival, Chicken Inasal Festival, and Rum Festival.

On 24 July, the participants engaged in activities that showcased Negros Occidential’s cultural and historical heritage. The itinerary included a visit to Lakawon Island in Cadiz City and the Heritage Zone in Silay City. Some delegation members also visited the Negros Museum, further enriching their understanding of the region’s history and culture. The day concluded with a delightful dinner at the newly opened Citadines Bacolod, marking the end of the Bacolod leg of the tour.

Two young participants ages 8 and 10 from San Francisco, who are visiting the Philippines for the first time with their parents, shared their excitement on the tour. They commented that they have been having a great time since arriving in the country, highlighting the Lakawon Island tour as their favorite part so far.

Following Bacolod, the VIP Tour will proceed to Cagayan de Oro, where participants will explore the city’s historical landmarks and visit outdoor adventure spots. END

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

New York, USA