THE HONORABLE MR. LEO M. HERRERA-LIM CONSUL GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

INTERVIEW
“Your Excellency now that you’re Consul General for the Philippine Republic our readers would like you to tell them something about yourself.”

“I’d be delighted…I was born in Manila, my parents are from Mindanao, and I have two children, with three brothers working in the private sector all U.P. (University of the Philippines) graduates. I’m the only one in our family who’s chosen a career in government. I hold law and economic degrees.”

“Very impressive credentials Excellency.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome; as Consul General what are some of your duties and how do you think your office will impact the Filipino community?”

“I think that I can do a lot of positive things for the Fil-Am community; for instance I want to make mainstream American media more aware of the many positive things our community has to offer this country. I’m using my office to make non-Filipinos know more about our cultural achievements. There is a Philippine coral reef exhibit currently at the Shed Aquarium that I think all Chicagoans should see.

I’m working towards establishing a strong positive Filipino presence in area museums, art galleries, the business sector, and Chicago’s schools parochial, private, and public.

“NGO’s should be aware of what the Filipino community is about. I want to promote our culture in any way I can. I want America to know who we are and where we are going. I want Motorola, Abbott Laboratories, Kraft Foods; which has a large presence back home, to develop strong ties to the American Filipino community. In short I want American culture to absorb the many positive values and qualities of our community but most of all I want our people to know and accept themselves and their uniqueness as they continue their journey of self-discovery.”

The consul general also explained why the U.S. Military bases in the Philippines had to go. The ‘Congen’ further elaborated on his role in working to take U.S. and Filipino relations to a higher level of mutual involvement and understanding.

“Excellency well said. What were some of your accomplishments prior to your being appointed consul general?”

“Gladly…when I was…” The consul general rattled off an impressive number of professional accomplishments prior to his assuming his present office. Among them was how he was instrumental in forging better economic relations between the United States and the United Kingdom, his working in persuading Shell Oil and the UK to invest in Palawan, getting more countries to use the services of Filipino nurses, and his being instrumental in economic/diplomatic bridge building between the UK and the Philippine Republic. Consul General Herrera-Lim mentioned his part in helping Ireland recruit Filipino nurses and other medical professionals to work in Irish hospitals.

“Sir, most people are familiar with the title of Consul General but could you tell our readers/viewers some additional duties of your office?”

“Our consular office serves as the official Filipino presence in the Mid-west and outlining states. We’re here to improve overall relations professional and otherwise of local Filipinos, non-Filipinos and to handle any sticky situations that may arise. We want people to know that we are here for them. Again, our aim is to inform non-Filipinos within our territory of jurisdiction what Filipino culture and traditions are all about. We also sponsor programs to reacquaint Filipinos who may have become estranged from their culture the recent ‘Eskwelahang Pinoy sa Konsulado 2010’ a prime example.”

“Sir, what inspired you to want to enter the Foreign Service?”

“During my student activist years I developed a sense of public service. I’ve always wanted to help our people in any capacity I could. As consul general I have the rare privilege of turning my activist aspirations into living realities.”

“Excellency as a non-Filipino if I wanted to work for the Philippine Consulate would I be allowed to do so and in what capacity?”

“We’d let you work for us but we couldn’t pay you. We do hire non-Filipinos from time to time but on a limited basis and only when needed such as translators.”

“Consul General Herrera-Lim what are some of the Chicago area programs for Fil-Ams your office promotes?”

“We’re issuing e-passports to applicants. If your readers want to know about the e-passport process and its benefits I urge them visit us on line. Our website is: www.chicagopcg.com. Our email address is: chicagopcg@sbcglobal.net. Our e-passport system has many benefits. This new system cuts processing time by 33 to 50% over the previous method.”

Consul General Herrera-Lim also talked about the benefits of dual citizenship, the need for Filipinos to reacquaint themselves to their national heritage and the quick processing of U.S. citizens seeking permanent Philippine residency. He also discussed his plan to permit Filipinos to MOVE TO THE U.S. IN COMPLETE FAMILY UNITS as opposed to families immigrating to the States separately leaving other family members stranded back home waiting decades before being allowed to join their U.S. based relatives. He stressed that the current method of handling Filipino applicants is antiquated and the root cause of countless divorces, marital infidelity, and other family destroying causes.

Mr. Herrera-Lim discussed other items of Philippine interest. The consul general and my previous interviewee Candidate Dan Patlak share a number of things including approachability. Reader, if you have additional questions regarding the Philippine consulate or the ‘Congen’ call the consular office and they’ll be glad to assist you. That’s all, drive carefully, and GOD bless you. vamaxwell@yahoo.com