Consul asks Filipino clergy in US to join ‘Know Your Rights’ drive

Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega (center) with the members of the FILCA and lay supporter Emilia Cruz. CONTRIBUTED

NEW YORK CITY – Members of the Filipino clergy in the US met with the Philippine Consul in to discuss the role of clergy in keeping the Filipino community informed of possible new policy initiatives under the incoming Trump Administration

During the luncheon meeting, which coincided with the annual year-end fellowship of Filipino Clergy in America (FILCA), De Vega spoke about the Consulate General’s “Know Your Rights” program and invited the group to be a partner in the effort.

Citing the important role played by church and faith-based communities in reaching Filipinos in the Northeast, Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega also informed clergy members of the services offered by the consulate to the community.

Some 20 members of the FILCA met with the consul Dec. 13 at the Parish House of St. Henry’s Church in Bayonne, New Jersey. FILCA is composed of Filipino and Filipino American priests in New York and New Jersey and other areas in the Northeast USA.

FILCA members offered their support for the Consulate’s initiatives and also shared information on cases and concerns of some of their Filipino parishioners. The meeting likewise had an exchange of views about the current policy initiatives of the Duterte Administration.

The FILCA noted that eliminating the taxes on Balikbayan boxes for qualified overseas Filipinos is a welcome development for the migrant community. They also look forward to further movement on the proposed OFW Bank.