Ronaldo Z. Concha Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — A team of diplomats from the Philippine Consulate General here provided consular services to more than 700 Filipinos in the Asir region and nearby areas this month. The aim of the Consular Mobile Services (CMS) team was to reach out to more Filipinos in the Kingdom, Vice Consul R.J. Sumague said on Wednesday. The CMS Team, led by Sumague, was composed of consulate staff and personnel from affiliate agencies, including the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Pag-IBIG Fund and Social Security System (SSS). Sumague said the team was able to renew 648 passports, process 50 various consular documents and provide other services at the Aziziah Hotel in Khamis Mushayt. Aside from passport and consular services, Sumague said they also received requests for assistance in labor problems and other issues. Sumague thanked the leaders and members of various Filipino community organizations in the Asir region led by Virgilio Crisostomo, the consulate's area coordinator, in helping provide the services. The Asir region, which includes the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushayt and Al-Namas, is located in the southwestern part of the Kingdom. Filipino nationals from the nearby regions of Najran and Jazan also took advantage of the CMS. The region is home to one of the biggest Filipino communities in the Kingdom. Sumague said the team will return in the first quarter of next year to continue providing consular services to Filipinos living in the region.
