Philippine Consulate General launches ICON kit in Barcelona for new arrivals

Crispina M. Belen

April 25

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen

Philippine Consulate General launches ICON kit in Barcelona for new arrivals

Newly arrived Filipinos and Filipino Community leaders in Barcelona raise their phones after simultaneously downloading the electronic copy of the In-Country Orientation and Navigation or ICON kit during the ICON kit launch at the Consulate Hall on 15 April 2024. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)

On April 14, 2024, the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona introduced yet another initiative to help newly arrived Filipino migrants integrate into their new environment in Catalunya through the launching of the maiden edition of the "In-Country Orientation and Navigation kit" or ICON kit.

The "ICON Kit—Ang Gabay ng Comunidad Filipina sa mga Filipinong Baguhan sa Catalunya" is a 40-page comprehensive resource guide in an electronic format which provides crucial information about living in Barcelona, including transportation, local services for language, healthcare, residence registration (empadronamiento), safety precautions, emergency numbers, introduction to the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona and its consular services, cultural norms, among others.

Around 165 Filipinos, primarily newly arrived Filipinos and Filipino Community leaders in Barcelona, attended the launch and consequently became the first "downloaders" of the ICON kit.

"May mga pangamba at takot sa mga baguhang Filipino na titira o magtatrabaho sa ibang bansa, katulad ng dito sa Espanya. Yung pagtatanungan o pag-aalam ng tama at updated na information ang isa sa mga critical na aspeto ng adjustment. Natutuwa kami na mayroong ICON kit na magiging gabay namin upang i-navigate ang bagong environment dito sa Barcelona nang may confidence at ng ganoon ay makagawa rin kami ng mas informed na decision," said Gabriel Macatangay Ilagan who arrived in Barcelona eight months ago.

The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona awards certificates of appreciation to the Filipino Community leaders who have made the realization of the ICON kit possible true to the title "ICON kit -- Ang Gabay ng Comunidad Filipina sa mga Filipinong Baguhan sa Catalunya''. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)

Developed by the Consulate in collaboration with Barcelona's Filipino Community leaders, the ICON kit offers a versatile solution to provide essential information and resources not only to newly arrived OFWs but also to students, dependents, and even Filipino tourists.

"This ICON kit is an empowerment tool especially for our newly arrived kababayan by arming them with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to navigate the challenges of moving and building a successful life in Barcelona. By providing access to essential information and fostering connections within the community, the kit enables newcomers to take control of their journey and pursue their goals with confidence," said Philippine Consul General in Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro.

Other than vital information about life in Catalunya, particularly in Barcelona, the ICON kit also fosters a stronger sense of belonging among Filipino newcomers as it underscores building connections with the huge presence of the Filipino community in the city.

The Consulate likewise awarded certificates of appreciation to the Filipino Community leaders who have contributed in the conceptualization, gathering, and deliberation of all the information critical for the realization of the kit as a tool for newly arrived Filipinos in the city.

To download the kit, users may click on the link: https://tinyurl.com/yse6hdyj.

To know about the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, you may visit and follow the Consulate General's website: https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph , as well as Facebook and Instagram page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/ .

Caption 1: Newly arrived Filipinos and Filipino Community leaders in Barcelona raise their phones after simultaneously downloading the electronic copy of the In-Country Orientation and Navigation or ICON kit during the ICON kit launch at the Consulate Hall on 15 April 2024. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)

Caption 2: The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona awards certificates of appreciation to the Filipino Community leaders who have made the realization of the ICON kit possible true to the title "ICON kit -- Ang Gabay ng Comunidad Filipina sa mga Filipinong Baguhan sa Catalunya''. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)