Mabuhay!
Recent events have shown South Australia’s continuing commitment to do what is necessary to keep COVID-19 under control. The spiking number of cases around Australia due to the Delta variant constrained SA to enter into a Level 5 lockdown for seven days in late July. With the number of cases contained and back to zero, the state lifted the lockdown within schedule and has since maintained a few restrictions to avoid a resurgence of cases. The restrictions are expected to diminish with the continuous days of zero cases.
The Consular Core of South Australia recently held its Bi-Annual General Meeting. There are over 40 consuls in South Australia representing different countries and providing various services. A few long-term consuls have stepped down from their committees and duties. As Philippine Consul for SA, I remain in the committees for another year representing the Filipino community.
The Filipino Network South Australia (FNSA) handed out awards to 40 volunteers for their exemplary service. The venue was supported by the West Torrens Council and Mayor Michael Coxon distributed the awards. FNSA is winding down after years of supporting Filipinas who have migrated to SA and successfully running the Filipino Fiesta.
The SA Consular Office remains open to assist Filipinos in the state and can be contacted by email and/or phone. Please also take time to check the Philippine Embassy, Canberra website (https://www.philembassy.org.au/) for developments in the Philippines and in Australia. The SA Consular Offfice continues to perform NBI verifications for visa requirements, Special Powers of Attorney, and other consulate duties in SA.
Passport extension has been made available to Filipinos meeting the requirements. An extension of 30 days from expiry date of your passport and 45 days from your visa expiring may be extended under special circumstances. If your passport has expired, however, you cannot get a visa extension. This policy will remain in place until further notice.
The Philippine government encourages you to apply for dual citizenship if you are a natural-born Filipino citizen and no longer holds citizenship. Dual citizenship will restore all your rights as a Filipino citizen including, but not limited to,right to vote, own land, practice professions restricted to Filipino citizens, and stay indefinitely in the country. Please visit through the Philippine Embassy, Canberra website for more details on how to apply and further updates in the future.
Keep up to date by liking the Facebook page “Consulate of the Philippines in South Australia”.
Upcoming event:
Fil Oz Adelaide DDS celebrates its 5th year anniversary with Dance Dance Saya 5. Slovenian Club, Inc. 11 La Salle St., Dudley Park SA. Tickets $45, 6pm till late. For more information, visit on Facebook Fil Oz Adelaide DDS.
