Philippine Consul General Porfirio M. Mayo, Jr. discussed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Macau’s Filipino community during an interview with The Macau Post Daily at the Philippine Consulate General’s office on Thursday, among other things.
An affected community
Mayo noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a “tremendous effect” on Macau’s economy, pointing out that it has “cascaded down to the work or the employment of a good number of our nationals” in the city, particularly affecting those in the airport and hotel industries.
Mayo added that starting in March 2020, “there were a number of retrenchments that has affected our presence here”, adding that “from a high of 33,000, we are now down to about 28,000” non-resident workers from the Philippines in Macau.
Speaking about some of the challenges that the community has faced as a result, Mayo said that there have been cases of “depression” while some have been “lured into vices”, but stressed that these are “isolated cases”. Mayo said the majority of the community are still focused on what they have to accomplish “in terms of the comfort of their families back home”. Moreover, in spite of the challenges, Mayo pointed out that “we have a community that cares for one another”, as well as a number of Filipino organisations in Macau who look after the welfare of both their members and affected compatriots.
Moreover, aside from providing financial aid to those affected as well as communication and assistance to those affected by depression, the consulate has also continuously arranged repatriation flights, which Mayo described as successful, with the 27th aircraft flying out last Wednesday.
Among the assisted repatriates, Mayo pointed out that there were three-wheelchair-bound passengers and a passenger who was affected by depression that the consulate previously helped by providing shelter and organising volunteers among community members to help look after the one suffering from depression.
Mayo also commented on the challenges of arranging the flights, underlining that “space considerations” have to be made for both passengers and their luggage, as well as complications when the remains of Filipinos who have passed away in Macau are involved in the same flight’s cargo. Regarding the issue, Mayo emphasised that careful planning is required for the limited cargo space, as well as reminding passengers to limit their luggage.
The Filipino identity
Meanwhile, Mayo also remarked that the Filipino identity is present in the city, citing examples such as a street in the city centre with a number of small businesses run by Filipinos such as “karinderya”, Tagalog for eateries/cafeterias, and Filipino products found in various supermarkets.
Mayo added that the community’s presence “also lends vibrancy in terms of the mix of cultures that you find in Macau”, such as with the religious festival called Sinulog, which is celebrated in Cebu for the patronage of the Infant Jesus.
Mayo was also asked about plans to set up a school for Filipinos in the city, to which he responded that there are currently no developments in this direction as there is currently no interest from community members as they “opt to take their children back home to be educated in the Philippines”, as well as considering the small number of Filipino children in the city.
An open door
Mayo also emphasised that he is always open to speaking with the community, saying: “My door is always open, and you have a friend in the consulate”, as well as that the consulate is there to provide assistance.
He added that the consulate is also here to provide professional advice on what should be avoided, citing the example the arrests of bicycle riders for violating traffic regulations, for which the consulate is setting up reminders.
Mayo noted that “it’s a good thing that we have a community here that heeds to the call of the consulate”, adding that the consulate works with the community and organisations for the good of the local Filipino community.
Moreover, for announcements and advisories, the consulate’s official website at https://macaupcg.dfa.gov.ph/ and an active Facebook page can be accessed. Mayo also pointed out that the community should let the consulate know when they hear about those in need of assistance among them. “We will be there to help them”.
Philippine Consul General Porfirio M. Mayo, Jr. poses in his office at the AIA Tower on Thursday. Photo: Rui Pastorin
