Ever wondered where Filipinos in Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains, and Alaska turn for assistance? It’s right here at the Consulate General of the Philippines. The Consulate General of the Philippines in San Francisco represents the Philippines’ interests in this vast region. Its address is 447 Sutter Street. That is just north of Union Square.
Let’s step back in time. The Consulate General of the Philippines opened in 1946. This was immediately after the United States recognized Philippine independence. Dr. Roberto Regala was the first consul. In 1947, an extension office opened in Los Angeles. Regala also headed that office. Marcelo T. Boncan, a former congressman, administered it. That extension became its own mission in 1955.
During the Marcos regime in the 1970s and 1980s, the Consulate General of the Philippines was a site of protest. Demonstrators opposed to Ferdinand Marcos gathered outside. The consulate was viewed as full of Marcos loyalists. In 1986, during the People Power Revolution, anti-Marcos demonstrators confronted the staff. They even took over the Consulate General of the Philippines entirely. Even today, protesters gather here during significant political events such as the president’s State of the Nation Address.
There was a time in 2003 when the Philippine government considered selling this building. Max Soliven, founder of The Philippine Star, strongly opposed the idea. He recalled a previous loss. During Corazon Aquino’s presidency, a building housing Philippine Airlines offices facing Union Square was sold at a significant loss.
Today, the Consulate General of the Philippines in San Francisco is led by Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer. He started in January 2021. The Consulate General of the Philippines offers many services. These include Filipino Travel Document renewal and emergency passport issuance. They also provide attestation certificates. Furthermore, the Consulate General of the Philippines handles Filipino visa requirements. This is especially useful for Diplomatic and official passport holders.
The Consulate General of the Philippines also aids distressed Filipino women. It supports community welfare societies. They help the Filipino diaspora. The consulate registers new organizations. It assists with transporting mortal remains to the Philippines. Legal documents are also sent and received through the Consulate General of the Philippines.
The Consulate General of the Philippines promotes business. It also provides news services. The consulate helps establish new businesses in the USA. They maintain export and import regulations. It promotes Philippine exporters and manufacturers. Investing in the Philippines is also encouraged. The Consulate General of the Philippines publishes lists of exhibitions and trade fairs.
For students, the Consulate General of the Philippines publishes Philippines-centric activities. They provide no-objection certificates for study in the Philippines. The consulate registers Filipino students abroad. Study in Philippines promotion activities are organized. There are student exchange programs. The Consulate General of the Philippines also supports science and technology-related opportunities. Academic research collaborations are facilitated here.
So, as you stand before the Consulate General of the Philippines, remember its history. Think about its role in serving Filipinos across a vast area. The Consulate General of the Philippines stands as a symbol of Philippine presence. It offers support and connection to home for Filipinos far from their native land.