PRESS RELEASE NO. 32-2021
29 July 2021, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA – Consul General Joselito A. Jimeno called on State of Hawaii Governor David Ige today primarily to express the Philippine Government’s appreciation for the State of Hawaii’s decision to include the Philippines in its Safe Travels Program as a Trusted Testing Partner. This allows Philippine Airlines (PAL) passengers travelling from Manila to Honolulu to bypass the state’s mandatory 10-day quarantine as long as they are able to present a negative PCR test taken at a PAL-accredited laboratory 72 hours before departure from the Philippines.
Cognizant of the large Filipino community which calls Hawaii home, the governor said that the state looks forward to restarting and increasing international travel with the Philippines on a “more robust and regular basis.”
Consul General Jimeno informed the governor that the Filipino community, through FilCOM CARES, has been very proactive in supporting the state’s efforts to increase the vaccination rate. Gov. Ige expressed appreciation for the community’s endeavors, noting that people-to-people links are sometimes more effective in getting the message across and convincing people to be vaccinated. The Consul General also said that the Consulate also been supportive of the community’s efforts through regular reminders via radio and other media partners to avail of vaccination and continue adhering to recommended health protocols.
Moving forward on the management of the pandemic, the governor said that the government will focus on increasing the vaccination rate and reminders on remaining vigilant and taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including mask wearing, physical distancing, and hand hygiene. As the new school year starts on August 3, these measures will be even more important to ensure a healthy and safe environment for in-person learning.
PAL officials, including President Gilbert Santa Maria, North America Regional Head Bryan Lim, and Honolulu Area Manager Soledad Solleza, and Consulate officials, Consul Grace Anne G. Bulos and Protocol Officer Joel C. Bulos joined Consul General Jimeno during the call. Also present during the call was Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay. END.
Philippine Consul General in Honolulu Joselito A. Jimeno calls on State of Hawaii Governor David Ige. In photo are (from left to right) Philippine Airlines (PAL) North America Regional Head Bryan Lim, Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay, Governor David Ige, Consul General Joselito Jimeno, PAL President Gilbert Santa Maria, Consul Grace Anne G. Bulos, and PAL Honolulu Area Manager Soledad Solleza. (Photo credit: Joel C. Bulos)
Consul General Jimeno, accompanied by Consulate and Philippine Airlines officials, meets with State of Hawaii Governor David Ige. (Photo credit: Joel C. Bulos)
