PRESS RELEASE NO. 49-2021

21 December 2021, Honolulu – Consul General Emilio T. Fernandez received Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth at the Philippine Consulate General yesterday for a courtesy call and to discuss areas of collaboration between the Philippine Consulate and Hawaii County. 

Consul General Emilio T. Fernandez and Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Ross discuss areas of collaboration between the Philippines and Hawaii County.  Also present at the meeting were Consul Grace Anne Bulos and Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Ms. Jane Clement.  (Photo credit: Joel C. Bulos)

The Consul General and Mayor Roth agreed to work together to increase the provision of consular services to members of the Filipino community in the Big Island with the resumption of outreach missions by the second semester of 2022, should the health situation permit. 

Consul General Fernandez with Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth (Photo credit: Joel C. Bulos)

Strongly founded on historical ties which began with the sakadas who came to the islands in the early 1900s, the two officials pledged to work closely in further strengthening Philippines-Hawaii economic and cultural relations.  Mayor Roth commended the Filipino community for its contributions to Hawaii County, particularly its healthcare and tourism sectors.  An area of particular interest is the reinvigoration of the sister-city relations of Hawaii with Ormoc City and Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.  END.