On the occasion of the National Women’s Month celebration, Philippine Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro (standing, in purple) expresses gratitude to the officials of the Bureau of Immigration in meeting with the Filipino community in Barcelona to discuss issues and concerns regarding dual citizenship, Filipino citizenship recognition, requirements and processes on entry to and departing from the Philippines, balikbayan program, etc. (photo by Barcelona PCG).
BARCELONA, 06 March 2025 - The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, on a "Purple Wednesday", kicked off its month-long celebration of National Women's Month with a forum on Philippine Immigration with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials, held at the Consulate Hall on 05 March 2025.
Leading the BI officials was BI Board of Special Inquiry Executive Chairman Atty. Gilberto Repizo, who emphasized the Bureau's critical role in combating human trafficking. "Human traffickers exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly Filipino women, by deceiving them with fraudulent job offers and false promises of legitimate employment overseas,” said Repizo, highlighting the importance of stringent immigration procedures at ports of exit.
Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicating human trafficking, noting that human trafficking victims abroad are assisted and referred by Philippine embassies and consulates to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further assistance.
The Philippines is rated Tier 1 by the U.S. State Department, indicating it meets minimum standards for eliminating trafficking. Under a one-country-team approach, various Philippine government agencies, including the BI and Philippine Consulate General, exert efforts to curb and prosecute recruiters involved in trafficking schemes.
The forum likewise focused on discussing issues and concerns regarding re-acquisition and retention of Filipino citizenship, recognition of Filipino citizenship, dual citizenship privileges and nuances, requirements and processes for entry to and departing from the Philippines, the balikbayan program, among others.
The forum took on an added significance as Consulate personnel, in an initiative called "Purple Wednesday," wore purple to demonstrate their support for women's rights and gender equality.
“Purple is internationally recognized as a symbol of justice, dignity, and gender equality. Various Philippine organizations and government agencies have adopted it to promote awareness and solidarity for women's empowerment,” explained Vice Consul Lee Gano, the Consulate’s Alternate Gender and Development Focal Person.
Echoing the 2025 National Women's Month theme, "Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas," Consul General Lazaro emphasized the vision for a nation where every woman can thrive, regardless of background. The Consul General also highlighted the significant contributions of Filipino women leaders within the community, as evidenced by many Filipino women leaders in Barcelona.
Immigration Officer Bianca Betina Tolentino (left) conducts a briefing on RA 9225 on the Re-acquisition and Retention of Philippine Citizenship. Immigration Officer John Jason Raz discusses Filipino Citizenship Recognition (Photo by Barcelona PCG)
The forum lasted for three hours with the Filipino community members, both onsite and online, engaging the BI and the Consulate officials with questions and clarification on various immigration rules. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)
“Purple Wednesday”. Personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, led by Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro (middle), wears purple in solidarity of the Philippines’ celebration of the National Women’s Month. Joining the occasion are guests and resource persons from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, led by Executive Chairman of the BI- Board of Special Inquiry (BSI) Atty. Gilberto Repizo (sixth from the left), BI-BSI Deputy Chief Atty. Gregorio G. Sadiasa (fifth from left), and BI-BSI members Atty. Melissa Nadugo (fourth from left), Mr. John Jason Raz (fourth from right) and Ms. Bianca Betina Tolentino (fifth from right). (photo by Barcelona PCG).