Register your community organization

Monday, 28 June 2010 20:58

Is your community organization registered with the Consulate?
Has your registration expired?
Please downloaded the attached form and submit it to Mr. Amir Alonto, the Cultural Officer, for accreditation of your community organization.
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30 June 2010.

Background on the Filipino community organizations

There are over 110 Filipino Community Organizations that have, at one time or the other, registered with the Consulate. Recently, the Consulate advised all organizations to update their registration and contact details. As of 15 February 2009, 33 of these organizations have accomplished the new registration form issued by this Post, purposely to get more information and updated addresses to establish good communication among group members and the Consulate General.

Most of these organizations were organized based on their sport interest, such as: martial arts, basketball, volleyball, tennis and others. They were active in holding different sport competitions or entertain their members and other Filipino workers during vacant time and weekends. Other ethnic organizations were active in creating activities that develop good bonding among members; they also handle educational activities intending to uplift the skills of members and non-members in their field of expertise, from basic therapy skills, haircutting to professional computer courses. There were Filipino workers benefitted in these programs and got good incentives in their work and profession.

Professional groups that have main chapters in the Philippines were the most noted groups in terms of educational activities, visioning for the continuity of their oath of responsibilities on their respective professions towards the community. Group of engineers and architects have successfully initiated professional licensure exams held in the western regions during the previous years and now expanded and became one of the annual programs of the group, this year’s exam includes accounting graduates.

Leaders of these organizations are excellent partners terms of promotional activities on cultural, sports, economic and tourism campaign. They were also active in assisting the Consulate on medical, financial, material assistance to distressed Filipinos, information dissemination campaign in framework of the Post’s reach-out program to all Filipino workers residing within Post’s area of jurisdiction.

Saudi regulations for Imarah permit for events in public places

The Consulates wishes to inform the public and Filipino community organizations on the guidelines conveyed by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on manner by which the Consulate may assist Filipino community organization who seeking the approval of the local authorities to obtain a permit to hold their events at hotels and other public venues.

The Saudi MFA, in its Note No. 91-93-2657 dated 24/1/1429H (05 February 2008) reiterated its previous guidelines in its Note No. 91-83-9010-25 dated 09/05/1425H, that:

Any community association or group that wishes to hold a party or cultural/sports activity should seek approval / permit directly from the Office of the Emir of the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region (Imarah Office).

In support of application for an approval/permit from the Emir’s Office (Imara) and in accordance with these guidelines, the Consulate could only issue certifications to duly registered community organizations and associations that they are duly recognized and registered with the Consulate and that the Consulate has no objection to the proposed event by the community.

PHILIPPINE FLAG –PROTOCOL

HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE FLAG – 3 women sewed the flag at 535 Morrison Hill Road in Hongkong. They were Marcela Agoncillo, daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, a niece of Dr. Jose Rizal.

It was first flown and waved by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit Cavite on June 12, 1898, during the Independence Day celebration. June 12 later was officially proclaimed as the National Independence Day by virtue of Proclamation No. 28 of President Diosdado Macapagal.

THE CONCEPT AND MAIN FEATURE OF THE FLAG

The concept was to reflect the ideas and aspirations of the Filipino people. The equilateral triangle, which many believed was a memento of the Katipunan standard. The 3Ks of the Katipunan, Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangan, Katipunan ng Bayan, were sometimes arranged in triangular manner, considering also that most of the insignias of the Katipunan were patterned after Masonic emblems – triangular in shape.
In the center of the white equilateral triangle is the golden sun, with 8 rays and 3 five-pointed stars in each corner. The 8 rays represented the first 8 provinces that courageously defied and revolted against the Spaniards – Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Batangas, Laguna and Nueva Ecija. Similar revolts spread to other parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – the 3 geographical areas, represented by the 3 five-pointed stars.
Color white, symbolizes purity and peace; the blue symbolizes the high political purpose and ideals; while courage, bravery, heroism and willingness to shed blood in defense of the Country of the Filipino patriots are embodied in the red field.

THE FLAG DAY

On May 24, 1994, President Fidel Ramos issued an Executive Order No. 179 to allow government offices and residences to display the Philippine National Flag from May 24 to June 12 of every year.

PROTOCOL OF THE PHILIPPINE FLAG

Sources of information come from Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Trade and Industry. R.A. 8491 Code of the National Flag Sec. 34, Columnist Nelly Favis-Villafuerte, and Christine G. Dulnuan.

When used on a speaker’s platform, the flag should be displayed above and behind the speaker, never on the front of the platform. If flown from a staff, it should be on the speaker’s right. (Comment:the placement of the Flag on the right of the speaker, indicates that the ceremonies is held within the jurisdiction of the Philippines. )
The flag should be hung horizontally or vertically. When hung HORIZONTALLY, the blue field should be placed at the peak of the staff, unless the flag is at half-mast. In times of war in which the Philippines is involved, the red field is placed topmost. When hung VERTICALLY, the equilateral triangle on top, the blue field should be to the left, and the red field to the right of the viewer facing the flag (Remember R-R Red on the right).
The Flag should never be used to cover a desk or table or as a covering for a ceiling, or as a receptacle or as drapery of any sort whatsoever.
When used to cover a casket, the Flag should be placed so that the equilateral triangle with the sun and the stars is at the head, with the blue field to the right and the red field to the left of the deceased.
When Philippine and foreign flags are displayed on flag poles, the poles should be at the same height, with the Philippine flag on the left as the group is viewed.
No flag or pennant should ever be flown above the Philippine flag.
The flag should never be dipped to any person or object.
The Flag should never be draped over the head, top, or other part of a vehicle or of a railroad train or boat. When the flag is displayed in a motorcar, the staff should be affixed firmly to the right fender such that the flag shall not touch the body of the car.
When the Flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, it should be completely destroyed- preferably by burning.
The likeness of Philippine Flag should never be embroidered or painted on wearing apparel and advertising materials.
It is improper to hold the flag (to spread it) during the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in a review, all persons present should face the flag, stand at attention and salute. Men should remove their hats or headdresses with the right hand and hold them at the left breast. Women should salute by placing their right hand over the heart.