35 Filipinas in US reacquire Philippine citizenship to mark Women’s Month

Consul General Donna Rodriguez (right) administers the oath of allegiance during the special Saturday consular service for women on March 15, 2025. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON – In celebration of National Women’s Month, 35 women reacquired their Philippine citizenship and became dual citizens during a special Saturday consular service for women at the Philippine Embassy.

The March 15 event was dedicated to providing essential consular services to women outside regular working hours, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for those with busy schedules., according to the Embassy.

The special consular day featured a range of services, including passport renewal and civil registry. The highlight of the day was the oath-taking ceremony, where 35 women proudly took their oath, marking a significant milestone in their lives.

“The Philippine Embassy is committed to making our services more accessible to women and recognizing their invaluable contributions to society,” said Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez. “By dedicating this special consular service to women, we hope to support their needs and celebrate their achievements.”

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During the event, the team processed 35 dual citizenship petitions, 22 passport applications, 19 notarized documents and two civil registration reports.

The event also featured a briefing on the benefits of Philippine citizenship and information on other services provided by the Embassy.

This initiative is part of the Consular Section’s broader commitment to gender inclusivity and empowerment, in line with the 2025 National Women’s Month theme: “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

In the United States, the recognition of women’s achievements started with International Women’s Day, observed for the first time on March 8, 1911.

In 1978, Sonoma County, Calif., held a “Women’s History Week” in alignment with International Women’s Day. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring National Women’s History Week. The US Congress designated March as Women’s History Month in 1987.

The Philippines celebrates National Women’s Month, which is deeply rooted in the global commemoration of the International Women’s Day. It has grown into a platform for  celebrating women’s achievements while addressing critical  women’s issues and promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality.