100-year-old Fil-Am becomes first dual citizen of 2025

Filipino American centenarian Loreto Noguera (right) proudly takes her oath of allegiance administered by Consul Barbie Rosales (left).

WASHINGTON – Filipino American centenarian Loreto Noguera became the first dual citizen of 2025 as she began her new year reacquiring her Philippine citizenship, according to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Noguera was joined by her family when she proudly took her oath of allegiance administered by Consul Barbie Rosales.

“It is such a special way to start the new year by assisting our kababayan in such a meaningful moment,” said Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez.

“Mrs. Noguera’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining strong ties to our Filipino heritage.”

The Dual Citizenship Law or Republic Act 9225 allows natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country to retain their Philippine citizenship, granting them the rights and privileges of being Filipino citizens while also keeping their foreign citizenship. 

In 2024, the Embassy approved 3,235 dual citizenship applications, the highest number in its history.

Ignacia Mabalot (right) is one of the 3,235 Filipino Americans who obtained dual citizenship in 2024. The number of dual citizenship applications last year was the highest in the Embassy’s history. The 99-year-old Fil-Am reacquired her Filipino citizenship at an oath-taking ceremony in Charleston, South Carolina. Photo from the US Embassy

This development highlights the growing interest among Filipinos in the United States to maintain their ties with the Philippines while embracing their US citizenship.

“(Noguera’s) milestone not only celebrates her personal journey but also underscores the deep and enduring connection many Filipinos in the United States feel towards their homeland,” the Embassy said in a statement.

“The Embassy remains committed to supporting the Filipino and Filipino-American community and looks forward to more milestones that celebrate the unique journeys of Filipino nationals abroad.”

For more information on how to become a dual citizen, you may visit the Embassy’s website.