Migrante Hong Kong welcomed the decision of Consulate General Romulo Israel Jr to open the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) on two Saturdays in the months of July and August. The PCG will open on July 26 and August 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. This move offers significant help to Filipino migrants whose days off fall on Saturdays.

The group regarded this an initial victory, saying this shows migrants can advance measures through collective struggle.

“We are happy for being heard! Long live the progressive organization that advances the welfare of all! I hope they made [it] whole day!” migrant Mercy stated in a social media post.

“Our petition succeeded but this is not the end because they have yet to set a weekly Saturday opening… That is still neglect and lack of sufficient service for fellow OFWs!” another migrant Chin stated. “The leadership now at PCG and MWO is better, as they are now somehow listening and engaging in dialogue. I hope they remain more open to listening to the concerns of OFWs here in HK,” Joyce observed.

“While we are encouraged by this positive step, we remain concerned that a once-a-month schedule may not fully meet the needs of our community. The demand is for the Consulate to be open every Saturday, ensuring that it can serve a greater number of OFWs,” the group stated.

In recent months, groups such as United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL-Migrante-HK), Filipino Migrant Workers Union (FMWU), Filipino Christian Community-Methodist International Church (FIC-MCC), and Iglesia Filipina Independiente-HK Fellowship launched a petition for the opening of the consulate every Saturday. The groups gathered 5,000 signatures in a short period, showing how important the campaign is for migrants in Hong Kong.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and assert for the consulate offer regular Saturday services, which will better accommodate the needs of our community,” Migrante Hong Kong stated.