Philippine consul meets Pittsburgh mayor after consular outreach serves Filipinos in western Pennsylvania

Consul Juan Carlos C. Borromeo of the Philippine Consulate General in New York met Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor and a representative of Congresswoman Summer Lee on 26 October, a day after a two-day consular outreach that rendered 177 services in West Mifflin.

The Philippine Consulate General in New York has taken up the welfare of Filipinos in Pittsburgh with the city's mayor and a congressional office, on the heels of a two-day consular outreach mission in western Pennsylvania.

Acting Head of Post and Consul Juan Carlos C. Borromeo paid courtesy calls on 26 October on Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor and on Trace Ledgard, Senior Field Representative of Congresswoman Summer Lee, who represents Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, the consulate said in a release dated 27 October.

At City Hall

At Pittsburgh City Hall, Borromeo thanked O'Connor for looking after the Filipino community, noting that many Filipinos have made the city their home. According to the consulate, the mayor emphasized that Pittsburgh is a welcoming city where immigrants can establish themselves, and expressed his office's willingness to work with immigrant communities and consulates on cultural celebrations and the timely dissemination of information on immigrants' rights.

Immigration concerns

With Ledgard, Borromeo conveyed appreciation for the congresswoman's initiatives on oversight of immigration detention facilities. He emphasized the Philippine government's interest in ensuring that Filipino nationals in immigration custody receive humane treatment and have access to consular assistance. Ledgard welcomed cooperation and encouraged coordination with the district office.

Services closer to home

During both calls, Borromeo briefed the officials on the outreach mission held on 24 to 25 October at the Philippine Center in West Mifflin, run with SSS New York and the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh. The consular team offered passport, dual citizenship, notarial, overseas voting and Social Security System services, and rendered 177 services in total.

The consulate said several clients appreciated not having to make a seven- to eight-hour trip to New York City. Greater Pittsburgh is the westernmost major metropolitan area in the consulate's jurisdiction, which covers ten states including Pennsylvania.

Officials of the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh, led by President Carlos Abola, helped arrange the meetings and accompanied Borromeo on both visits. The association, which now also goes by Fil-Am PGH, says it is honouring 70 years of service and community in Pittsburgh.

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