PRESS RELEASE NO. 31-2025

In the photo are (from left to right) Mr. Hermogenes Cayabyab, Jr., Deacon Marlowe Sabater, Consul Grace Bulos, Consul General Arman Talbo, Mr. Eric Kingma, Labor Attache Macy Maglangque, Pastor Jerry Saludez, and Mr. Raymond Rodriguez

14 April 2025, Honolulu – Consul General Arman R. Talbo met today with community advocates and supporters of the Filipino fishermen employed by Hawaii’s longline industry including Mr. Eric Kingma, Executive Director of the Hawaii Longline Association, Pastor Jerry Saludez, Head of the Waipio Baptist Church and the Seafarers Ministry, Deacon Marlowe Sabater, Coordinator of the Apostleship of the Sea Hawaii, and Mr. Raymond Rodriguez, Manager at VAK Fisheries LLC.  He was joined by Consul Grace Bulos, Labor Attaché Macy Monique Maglanque and Assistance to Nationals Officer Hermogenes Cayabyab, Jr. 

Consul General Talbo noted that the fishermen’s employers abide by international and US department of Labor regulations on recruitment, remuneration, health and safety, freedom of movement in the workplace and grievance mechanisms among others.  The Consulate officials expressed appreciation for the work of volunteer groups which provide pro-bono services to address the needs of the fishermen such as spiritual formation sessions and free medical and dental services.  Consul General Talbo reiterated the Consulate’s readiness to assist the Filipino fishermen, when necessary.  (END).

Mr. Kingma (middle) informs the meeting attendees of the efforts of the Hawaii Longline Association to engage with the federal government and the US  and State legislature to promote and uphold the welfare of foreign fishermen.