BISMARCK, N.D. (Aug. 27, 2016) — U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) welcomed the Consul General of the Philippines Generoso Calongeto the U.S. Midwest in his first visit to Bismarck on Saturday. Calonge led an outreach service team to meet with Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in North Dakota.
More than a hundred people took part in the program that offered information and services including passport applications, visas and dual-citizenship issues. Cramer offered the services of his staff at his offices throughout North Dakota for anyone needing additional help with these and other issues.
Cramer presented Calonge with a blanket and the new Theodore Roosevelt National Park quarter.
“It is an honor to welcome you to North Dakota,” Cramer told Calonge. “We love our Filipino citizens and neighbors and cherish the strong relationship between the United States and the Philippines.”
In a private meeting with Calonge, Cramer agreed to co-sponsor H.R. 2737, The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, which recognizes the dedicated service of more than 260,000 Filipino soldiers who fought to defend the United States and the Philippines during World War II.
The Consul General of the Philippines to the U.S. Midwest is headquartered in Chicago and provides consular services to a 16-state region, including North Dakota.
