The Philippine Consulate General in Saipan confirms information that the Department of Foreign Affairs shall consolidate Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the Pacific within this year due to budgetary constraints.

Governor Benigno R. Fitial has been informed by Consul General Medardo Macaraig of this development.

The Philippine Consulate General in Saipan shall continue to serve Filipinos in the CNMI until sometime after the Independence Day commemoration in June and the Ambassadors, Consuls General, Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) of the Philippines in July 2012.

After the consolidation of Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the Pacific, the Philippine Consulate General in Guam shall assume consular jurisdiction over the Northern Mariana Islands, in addition to its current consular jurisdiction.

The Philippine Consulate General in Saipan has commenced preparations for the transfer of its responsibilities to the Philippine Consulate General in Guam.

During this period of transition, the Philippine Consulate General in Saipan, the Philippine Consulate General in Guam and the Department of Foreign Affairs shall endeavor to effect the smoothest transition possible.

The exact date of the transfer of responsibilities shall be announced later.

Anyone who needs to transact business with the Philippine Consulate General in Saipan is advised to do so at the earliest possible time to avoid any inconvenience.

The understanding of all concerned shall be greatly appreciated.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Please be informed that the Philippine Consulate General in Saipan will conclude its operations on OCTOBER 31, 2012. After this date, the Philippine Consulate General in Guam shall assume consular jurisdiction over the Northern Mariana Islands.