“During his years of service in the CNMI, Consul General Wilfredo DL. Maximo did much to foster a strong sense of friendship, community, and good relations between the people of the Philippines and the people of the CNMI,” he said.
Fitial said Maximo respected local culture and worked well with the CNMI Department of Labor and other local government agencies to assist Filipino nationals working in the commonwealth.
“I appreciate Consul General Maximo’s recognition of our efforts to assist guest workers from the Philippines. We will miss Consul General Maximo,” he said.
He added that he and Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos wish the consul general well on his next assignment.
Maximo, for his part, said Filipino workers here should always avail of the benefits and assistance offered by the Philippine Consulate General and Philippine government line agencies — the Overseas Labor Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Office.
The biggest organization of Filipinos in the CNMI hosted a farewell dinner for Maximo on Tuesday night
Maximo said all current programs, including the quarterly free health screening, livelihood training and seminars, will continue as long as the Philippine line agencies will not stop them.
On July 25, his replacement, Medardo Macaraeg, is expected to arrive on Saipan.
Consul Belinda M. Ante is currently the acting consul general.
During the farewell dinner sponsored by the United Filipino Organization, Maximo received gifts, plaques and a certificate of appreciation from the UFO, the Bayani Association, the Marianas Institute of Filipino CPAs and Accountants, the Visayas-Mindanao Association of the CNMI, the Saipan Association of Filipino Skilled Workers and the Marianas Filipino Women’s Association.
The UFO, which represents 32 associations, and its president Olive Yana, as well as the Bayani Association led by Evelyn Deazeta also received certificates of appreciation from the consulate.
Maximo praised UFO’s commitment and partnership with the consulate in serving the Filipino community.
He commended Bayani for its participation in the joint celebration of the 111th Philippine Independence Day and Migrants Day early this month.
In an interview, Maximo urged workers not to believe in rumors and instead check with the consulate first to get first-hand information.
Maximo said his office regularly conducts an information campaign about the services and assistance offered by the consulate and other Philippine government line agencies in the CNMI.
He also encouraged workers to update their Overseas Workers Welfare Administration membership for their and their family’s financial security.
