Press Release

Group photo taken before the start of the event. Seated in the front row, from left to right: Atty. Momblanco,

Ms. Sandra Martinez of CPS, Consul Almonguera, Consul General Diano, Ms. Judson, Consul Alders,

Consul Mitra-Yeager and SSS Representative Pantollano (Chicago PCG photo)

CHICAGO 16 October 2026– The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in collaboration with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), conducted a Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) for Filipino teachers of CPS on 15 October 2026 at the CPS Garfield Park Offices Gymnasium in Chicago, Illinois. 69 teachers attended the seminar, including those who arrived in 2026 and those who arrived in 2025 but were unable to attend the previous year’s orientation.

The seminar featured the following resource persons and their respective presentations:

• The Consulate General’s officials provided an overview of Post’s consular and related services;
• Atty. Eileen Momblanco of the Filipino American Lawyers Association of Chicago (FALA-Chicago) discussed the rights and responsibilities of residents in Illinois and the U.S.;
• Mr. Rigor Pantollano, Social Security System (SSS) Representative based in New York, presented SSS services available to Overseas Filipinos, highlighting investment opportunities offered by the agency;
• Ms. Kristine Joy Gacer of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), who joined live via Zoom from Manila, discussed regulations relating to the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program (EVP); and
• Mr. Rudy Alejandro of the Pag-IBIG Fund, who also joined via Zoom, presented the Fund’s services available to Overseas Filipinos, including savings and investment opportunities.

In her opening remarks, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano welcomed the teachers and recognized them as cultural ambassadors who bring their knowledge, dedication, and Filipino values to American classrooms. She also encouraged them to comply with pertinent laws and regulations as they continue to develop their careers and settle into their new environment.

For her part, Ms. Christine Murphy Judson, Executive Director for Talent Acquisition of CPS, delivered the welcome remarks, highlighting the partnership between CPS and the Consulate General.

Consul General Diano delivering the opening remarks during the orientation seminar on 15 October 2026 in Chicago

(Chicago PCG photo)

Consul General Diano presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Judson of CPS

(Chicago PCG photo)

The PAOS also forms part of the Consulate General’s Gender and Development (GAD) program, which seeks to disseminate information on available government services to Overseas Filipinos, particularly women. It also complements Post’s broader economic diplomacy efforts by promoting awareness of savings and investment programs offered by Philippine government institutions. Through these sessions, the Consulate General helps Filipino teachers adjust to life in the U.S., access available resources and support, and remain connected with the Filipino community. END

A seminar participant posing a question to Atty. Momblanco during the open forum

(Chicago PCG photo)

SSS Representative Pantollano discussing the agency’s online services

(Chicago PCG photo)