PRESS RELEASE NO. 48-2021
20 December 2020, Honolulu, Hawaii – Philippine Consul General Emilio T. Fernandez led a Consulate team in a goodwill visit to the Filipino fishermen at Honolulu Harbor on 17 December 2021. The visit was coordinated with the Waipio Community Baptist Church and the Hawaii Seafarers Ministry headed by Pastor Jerry Saludez. Around 30 fishermen were present at the event.
The Filipino fishermen are documented workers working on board vessels that fish in the high seas of the Pacific. Often away for months at a time, they find themselves docked in the harbors of Honolulu but are not allowed to venture out of the pier except for emergency reasons.
To ease the burden of being away from home for long periods of time, Consulate personnel visit the fishermen and provide them with food from the Philippines and boxes of used (but in very good condition) clothes, shoes, accessories, books and toys for their children in the Philippines. The activity has been ongoing since 2018.
In his conversation with the fishermen, the undersigned expressed appreciation to the Seafarers Ministry for ensuring the success of the activity, which provides an opportunity for Consulate personnel to dialogue with the Filipino fishermen. He apprised them of significant developments back home and the Duterte administration’s efforts to alleviate poverty, fight crime and tackle the drug menace. Moreover, he enumerated the government’s programs to uplift the welfare and well-being of OFWs, including the pending creation of the Department of Migrant Workers. He assured them of the Consulate’s readiness to extend assistance.
Consul Grace Anne G. Bulos, Acting Assistance to Nationals Officer Hermogenes G. Cayabyab, Jr., Protocol Officer Joel C. Bulos, and Property Officer Salmineo L. De Castro joined Consul General Fernandez during the activity. END
Consul General Emilio T. Fernandez addresses the Filipino fishermen of Pier 17, Honolulu Harbor.
Consul General Fernandez distributes tokens of crackers, coffee, and noodles.
Consul General Fernandez addresses the Filipino fishermen of Pier 36, Honolulu Harbor.
Consul General Fernandez poses with Pastor Jerry Saludez (seated, fourth from left), Consulate personnel and the Filipino fishermen of Pier 36, Honolulu Harbor.
