Press Release

Group photo taken before the start of the event. Group photo taken before the start of the seminar. Seated: Consul General Diano (center),

Associate Superintendent Figueroa (3rd from the left), Consul Almonguera (2nd from the left), Atty. Momblanco (2nd from the right),

and Ms. Maripa Abella of Calculation Bureau (3rd from the right), among others. (Chicago PCG photo)

CHICAGO 09 November 2026– Following its Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) for Filipino teachers of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) on 15 October 2026, the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago conducted a similar session for Filipino teachers of the Waukegan Community Unit School District on 07 November 2026 at Miguel Juarez Middle School in Waukegan, Illinois. The seminar was attended by 18 Filipino teachers, all women, who arrived in the U.S. in 2026.

The seminar featured the following resource persons and their respective presentations:
• Consul Melvin Almonguera provided an overview of the Consulate General'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.;
• Ms. Kristine Joy Gacer of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), who joined live via Zoom from Manila, discussed regulations governing the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program (EVP);
• Mr. Rigor Pantollano, Social Security System (SSS) Representative based in New York, presented SSS services available to Overseas Filipinos, including the agency's savings and investment opportunities. He joined the seminar via Zoom; and
• Mr. Rudy Alejandro of the Pag-IBIG Fund, who also joined via Zoom, discussed the Fund's services for Overseas Filipinos, including its savings and investment opportunities.

Consul General Diano delivering the opening remarks during the orientation seminar on 07 November 2026

n Waukegan, Illinois (Chicago PCG photo)

Consul General Diano presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Associate Superintendent Figueroa

(Chicago PCG photo)

In her opening remarks, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano recognized the teachers for the important role they play in American classrooms, not only by sharing their knowledge and expertise but also by bringing Filipino values and culture to their students. She assured them that the Consulate General remains ready to assist and support them as they settle into their new environment and continue their teaching careers in the U.S.

Associate Superintendent Angel Figueroa of the Waukegan Community Unit School District, in his welcome remarks, expressed the school district's appreciation to the teachers for their contributions to the local educational community.

The Consulate General also provided onsite Overseas Voting (OV) registration for the 2028 Philippine National Elections, allowing the teachers to register during the seminar. The participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity.

The seminar was part of the Consulate General's Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, particularly its efforts to ensure that Filipino women overseas are informed of and have access to government services. The presentations on SSS and Pag-IBIG Fund programs likewise provided the teachers with information on savings and investment opportunities in the Philippines, complementing Post's economic diplomacy efforts. END

Atty. Momblanco discussing the rights of Illinois and U.S. residents

(Chicago PCG photo)

Participants posing for a group photo with Consul Almonguera, alongside resource persons joining via Zoom

on screen in the background (Chicago PCG photo)

Filipino teachers lining up for Overseas Voting registration with OV VRM Operator Francis Galang

(Chicago PCG photo)