PHL authorities in Saipan announce new work hours

Citing requests from the Filipino community, Philippine officials in Saipan have set new working hours to improve services to Filipinos there. Philippine Consul General Medardo Macaraig said the consulate will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. “During these regular weekdays, consular services shall continue to be rendered by the consulate during lunch hours," said Macaraig in a report on the Saipan Tribune. The Saipan Tribune reported the new schedule took effect last July 13. On the other hand, Macaraig said the consulate will still continue to offer the One-Saturday or Sunday-A-Month consular services. For the second half of 2011, the consulate will be open on July 30, Aug. 21, Sept. 24, Oct. 23, Nov. 19, and Dec. 18. During the One-Saturday or Sunday-A-Month consular services, the consulate will observe office hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., without lunch breaks. — JE, GMA News