PH Honorary Consul’s Office Closes in Edmonton

Marjorie Carmona Newman, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

EDMONTON, Alberta – The Honorary Consul’s Office in Edmonton is now closed after more than 18 years of serving Filipinos.

“My husband and I decided that after 15 years, we have to do some of the things that we love like traveling, enjoying our condo in Victoria. It doesn’t mean that my public service will end with the consulate. I will still be active in the Filipino community and also in the Canadian community in Edmonton and Victoria if the need arises,” said Consul Esmeralda Agbulos.

Some kababayans are not happy with the closure of the consulate office in Edmonton.

“Malulungkot ang mga Pilipino at mahihirapan at malayo na ang consulate,” said Dennis Belleza.

Kababayans will now have to travel to Calgary, a 3-hour drive, to obtain services like a special power of attorney, authentication of documents, NBI fingerprinting, clearance certification, and other administrative assistance. 

“Nakakapanghinayang po ang pagsasara ng ating consulate kasi mapapalayo na at pupunta pa ng Calgary para magpa-renew po ng mga dokumento kagay ng NBI (National Bureau of Investigation),” said Edwin Sese.

Consul General Julius Torres from the Philippine Consulate in Calgary however assured kababayans of continuing service. 

“Makakaasa ang ating mga kababayan at kababayang Canadians na ang ating konsulado sa Calgary tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang paglilingkod. Welcome na welcome po sila o hintayin po nila ang outreach. Ngayong taon naka-anim na. Ang imumungkahi po namin ay ang pagbukas ng panibagong honorary consul office sa Saskatoon upang mapagsilbihan ang ating mga kababayan,” said Torres.

Torres confirmed there is no plan to reopen the honorary consulate office in Edmonton for now. 

Meanwhile, Agbulos expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve kababayans.

(Source: ABS-CBN.com)