PRESS RELEASE - 90 - 2019

Consul Grace Anne G. Bulos (center) with the Seafarers Ministry volunteers and Filipino fishermen of Pier 17, Honolulu Harbor

27 November 2019, Honolulu, Hawaii – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu conducted its second goodwill visit to the Filipino fishermen at Pier 17 of the Honolulu Harbor on 26 November 2019. The visit was done in cooperation with the volunteers of the Waipio Community Baptist Church (WCBC) and the Seafarers Ministry, during their Tuesday Bible study session. Assistance to Nationals Unit Head, Consul Grace Anne G. Bulos, headed the Consulate General’s team, accompanied by Protocol Officer Joel C. Bulos and Consular Assistant Severino Baliao.

Consul Bulos expressed her appreciation to the Seafarers Ministry, headed by Pastor Jerry Saludez, for the opportunity to exchange stories with the fishermen and listen to their concerns so they could be addressed. She assured the fishermen of the Consulate General’s readiness to assist and thanked them for what they do for their families, which consequently contributes to improving their communities, spurring the economy of the Philippines and strengthening the country’s ties with the State of Hawaii. She took the opportunity to educate them on financial literacy by sharing practical tips on how to create money, use money wisely, and grow their money. With overseas voter registration beginning next month, she encouraged them to register to be eligible to participate in the 2022 Philippine national elections.

With the Thanksgiving holiday on 28 November 2019, Ministry volunteers dedicated a part of the session for the fishermen to recall and express gratitude for blessings received. The Consulate General team was inspired to hear, that despite the challenges of being away from their loved ones, the fishermen remained positive and grateful for the chance to provide a better future for their families.

As tokens for the fishermen and their families, the Philippine Consulate General team turned over around three balikbayan-sized boxes full of pre-loved clothes, toys, shoes, accessories, and children’s books donated by its personnel. END

Consul Bulos listens as the fishermen share that they remain thankful despite the challenge of being away from their loved ones in the Philippines

The Filipino fishermen partake of the pre-loved clothes, toys, shoes, accessories, and children’s books donated by personnel of the Philippine Consulate General