Philippine Consulate in Macau celebrates contributions of nationals on Independence Day

The Philippine Consulate General in Macau commemorated the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence yesterday, while also marking the vital contributions of the local Filipino community in the region.

The celebration comes at a notable time, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

“While the Treaty of Amity and Friendship was signed 50 years ago, our historical and cultural ties go back centuries,” said Consul General Edna May G. Lazaro, stressing that maintaining good relations with China remains a cornerstone of the Consulate’s mission.

“These ties are not only seen in international diplomacy, but are also deeply felt through the daily lives of our countrymen here – whether caring for the elderly, supporting families, or contributing to the hospitality and healthcare sectors,” she said during her first Independence Day in Macau since assuming her post in October 2024.

“Wherever we are, we carry the Philippine flag,” she added.

The celebration also featured the launch of a commemorative book honoring outstanding Filipinos in China.

The publication, a collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Beijing and other consulates in China, highlights inspiring stories of Filipino individuals who have made notable contributions in their respective fields.

Meanwhile, the Consul General addressed issues affecting the community, particularly the concerns of household service workers (HSWs), who make up a significant portion of the Filipino labor force in Macau.

Last year, the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) announced that the government had raised the minimum salary for domestic workers from MOP3,000 to MOP3,200 per month.

Announced during a meeting of the Central Zone Community Services Advisory Council in October, the bureau said the adjustment “aims to provide better guarantees for non-resident domestic workers and to bring the salary value closer to the average remuneration in the maid labor market.”

“We’ve made calls on top officials, including the former Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, who, for the first time, publicly recognized the economic importance of HSWs,” Lazaro told the press. “That recognition is critical as it reflects a policy direction that values the work our nationals are doing here.”

The official said that the Consulate has also been working to enhance access to government services, including efforts to bring back regular visits from different Philippine agencies.

While labor-related issues remain a top concern, the official said that overall, most Filipinos in Macau report being satisfied with their working and living conditions.

The latest data show that the overall number of Filipinos in the region is close to 34,000, including over 2,900 Filipino nationals who hold permanent residency.

“The numbers have bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, which shows the community’s resilience and importance in Macau’s multicultural fabric.”

In terms of tourism, in 2024, the Philippines ranked among the top sources of foreign visitors to Macau, with over 493,000 arrivals – a 57.1% increase from the previous year.

This year also commemorates the 30th anniversary of Migrant Workers Day.

“Migrant workers are close to my heart. I’ve always prioritized protecting their rights and well-being wherever they are,” the official noted.

To end her remarks, Lazaro said, “Today is a celebration of our freedom, our heritage, and our enduring friendship with our host city.”

“Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”

Gov’t touts strong ties with Filipino community

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive of the SAR, Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong noted the long-standing friendship between Macau and the Philippines, which dates back to the 16th century, when Macau served as a gateway between China and Southeast Asia.

Cheong noted that Filipinos now make up around 17% of Macau’s non-resident workforce and praised their contributions to the city’s development.

“We deeply appreciate the valuable contributions of the Filipino community to the development of Macau. The Macau government is committed to building an inclusive society where different communities can live in harmony together in Macau,” said Cheong.

He also recalled that several months ago, a Macau delegation had a “very successful consultation with the Philippine colleagues in Manila, for the conclusion of agreements on assistance in criminal matters.”

“The Macau government is happy to see the development and will prepare for the next round of consultation in Macau,” he said.

Cheong concluded by pledging the city’s support for the Philippine Consulate, one of only four consulates based in the SAR, and expressed hope for even deeper collaboration in trade, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation.