MANILA - Philippine Consul General to New York Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega called on Commissioner/Chair Carmelyn Malalis and Deputy Commi...
MANILA - Philippine Consul General to New York Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega called on Commissioner/Chair Carmelyn Malalis and Deputy Commissioner Dana Sussman of the New York City Commission on Human Rights to introduce herself after her assumption as Philippine Consul General to New York and to convey the Consulate’s programs in relation to Filipino and Filipino-American nationals, in particular more vulnerable sectors like household service workers, trafficking victims, migrants in distress, LGBTQ, seniors, and other marginalized sectors under the Consulate’s jurisdiction. Commissioner Malalis is one of three high ranking officials of Filipino descent serving in Mayor Bill De Blasio’s administration. The other two being Maria Springer Torres, President of the NY Economic Development Corporation, and, before she left office last year, NYC Chief Technology Officer Minerva Tantoco. During the meeting, Consul General De Vega stated the Consulate’s mandate includes ensuring that members of the Filipino-American community particularly underserved sectors are aware of their rights and responsibilities. She noted the Consulate’s commitment to partner with various institutions and groups as well as the New York City Government in helping to educate Filipinos on important laws and regulations affecting their status, work, and well-being. Consul General de Vega expressed the hope that a stronger linkage and more collaborative work could be undertaken with the NYC Human Rights Commission particularly in information dissemination and holding of legal clinics and fora for members of the Filipino-American Community. Commissioner Malalis conveyed the goals of the Commission which includes the protection of the rights of everyone against discrimination and bias anywhere in New York, but more particularly in areas where it is pronounced such as the workplace and public places like subways and transportation hubs. She noted that victims of discrimination are often those who are unaware of their rights such as immigrants. Regardless of immigration status, social or ethnic background, the Commission is mandated to help victims in filing a civil or harassment claim with the courts or their agency, assist in victim’s legal representation, and evaluate and issue a human trafficking certification, if justified, she added. Commissioner Malalis promised to extend a hand of cooperation to the Consulate General on matters of mutual interest and advocacy. She also warned of the high incidence of fraudulent “notaries” or those claiming to have the legal expertise who have victimized migrants. On the Philippine situation, Consul General De Vega relayed to Commissioner Malalis the Philippines’ stable peace and order situation, robust economy, and the increased tourism arrivals in 2016. The Consulate General engages local government authorities within its jurisdiction in collaborative projects that seek to promote community building, inclusivity, and promotion of individual rights and the common good in pursuit of its mandate to serve and protect the rights of the underserved and marginalized. (DFA) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141484356414/immigration-human-trafficking-discrimination-lgbtq-matters-top-agenda-at-ph-consul-general-ny-human-rights-commissioner-meeting#sthash.UOnA5gYs.dpuf
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