Barcelona, 29 January 2024 – In a step towards addressing the common legal issues faced by Filipinos in the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, the latter has successfully initiated the first in a series of lectures and free legal clinics through its inaugural event on 27 January 2024 at the Consulate. The event saw active participation from over 40 community members who engaged with a renowned lawyer leading the session. 

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro welcomed participants, stating, “Understanding the needs and challenges of our community is paramount. We are dedicated to ensuring that they have the necessary resources and knowledge to navigate their lives in Spain effectively. These sessions are a testament to our ongoing efforts to support and empower our kababayan.” 

The event’s speaker, Atty. Manuel Silva who is a Spanish lawyer with extensive experience dealing with legal matters of Filipino migrants, explained the concept of 'arraigo social', a critical legal status in Spanish law, allowing non-EU residents to obtain residency based on their social and community ties in Spain. This status is especially pertinent for those who have lived in the country for an extended period, establishing significant connections within their local communities. 

Looking ahead, the Consulate General has announced that the next session will address the legal challenges faced by Filipino students in Spain, to be held on 24 February 2024. Following this, as one of the Consulate’s activities commemorating National Women's Month in March, there will be a focus on work and legal issues specific to women, to be held on 23 March 2024. The rest of the year's topics will be determined based on the responses and insights gathered from a recent community survey, ensuring that the series remains closely aligned with the needs and interests of the Filipino community in Spain. 

This initiative is part of the Consulate General's broader effort to provide comprehensive support and assistance to Filipinos in its jurisdiction of Catalonia, Aragon, Balearic Islands, Valencia, and Andorra. It also aligns with the Consulate General's Gender and Development efforts, ensuring services are inclusive and supportive for all community members. END

PHOTOS

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro welcomes participants to the seminar

Atty Manuel Silva of MSM Legal Consulting discusses requirements for arraigo