FIRST EVER POST-ARRIVAL ORIENTATION SEMINAR HELD IN THE

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN PHNOM PENH

In its latest edition of Kapihan sa Pasuguan on 9 September 2018, the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh organized the first ever post-arrival orientation seminar for members of the Filipino community who are relatively new to Cambodia.

“Although it is not the policy of the Philippine government to export labor, the fact is overseas deployment has become the default course of action for many who are seeking greener pastures. Between 4,000 to 5,000 Filipinos leave their homes every day to seek work overseas. There are now over 10 million Filipinos in at least 192 countries. It is therefore the job of the Philippine embassy to enable, empower, and support these OFWs in achieving their aspirations to help their families back home,” said Consul General Myca Magnolia Maog Fischer in her welcome remarks.

After delivering her welcome remarks, Ms. Fischer gave a short overview of the Embassy’s consular services and briefed the audience on some important “Do’s and Don’ts” in Cambodia. This was followed by a briefing on the safety and security situation in Cambodia by the Embassy’s Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, Colonel Josel Zuňiga.

A panel discussion on adjusting to life in Cambodia ensued. It was participated in by Filipinos who have been in Cambodia for a long time. Serving as resource persons were Mr. Jay Ian Capungan (representative of teachers), Mr. Roman Dionco (representative of garment factory workers) Mr. Romyr Libo-on (representative of entrepreneurs), and Sr. Len Montiel (representative of missionaries/religious), Ms. Margie Gomez, and Dr. Marissa Regino-Manampan.

The resource persons shared their insights on various aspects of living in Cambodia, including tips on finding the right apartment, getting a Cambodian driver’s license, finding the right school for one’s children, and remitting money to the Philippines. Dr. Regino-Manampan gave practical advice on how to stay healthy while in Cambodia.

The event was capped by a message from Dr. Robert M. Salvador, Jr., Board Member of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), who informed the audience of the many benefits of PhilHealth membership.

The attendees expressed appreciation to the Embassy for this opportunity to meet fellow Filipinos with whom to exchange information and share experiences. END

Consul General Myca Fischer welcomes the resource persons invited by the Embassy to share insights and practical advice on

various aspects of living in Cambodia

More than 40 membersof the Filipino community attend the Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar

Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attache, Colonel Josel Zuniga, brief the community on the safety and

security situation in Cambodia