DFA inaugurates new consular office at SM Megamall

Filipinos can now expect more convenience in availing passport related services after the Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday inaugurated a new consular office at a major mall in Metro Manila. Located at the SM Megamall’s newly constructed seventh floor in Mandaluyong City, the DFA-NCR East is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and can accommodate up to 1,000 applicants at a time. At the inaugural rites, DFA Undersecretary for Administration Rafael Seguis said the new consular office is a step forward for public service. “The opening of DFA-National Capital Region East is the continuing fruition of the President and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to bringing world class and convenient service to the public,” Seguis said. A ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Seguis and SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia followed, marking the formal opening of the passport office. On Jan. 16, DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario and SM Prime Holdings President Hans Sy signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for SM malls to host five consular offices nationwide under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program. The opening of DFA-NCR East is one of several passport offices included in the PPP which aims to bring over P1 billion in savings to be generated by its initiative to transfer its passport offices to shopping malls nationwide. It also aims to bring consular services closer to the public through a more convenient and hassle-free experience. "For the DFA, today's event is special to us not only because we are opening a new consular office, but also because today, we are reaffirming our commitment to improve our passport services and to bring our services closer to the public," Seguis said. The DFA recently opened outlets in: Pacific Mall in Cebu Marquee Mall in Angeles City. Robinsons Starmills in San Fernando, Pampanga, Aside from this they will also open the following consular offices:

• SM Manila
• SM Baguio
• SM Davao
• Robinsons Lipa
• Robinsons Galleria
• Robinsons Bacolod
• Robinsons Dumaguete
• Robinsons General Santos
• Pacific Mall Legazpi
• Metro Gaisano Alabang

Other future offices to be finished by 2014 offices include:

• Iloilo
• Laoag
• Butuan
• Batangas
• Tacloban
• Puerto Princesa
• Cagayan de Oro

  Fast and convenient, by appointment In an interview with GMA News Online, DFA Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez said the DFA-NCR East offers world class service. “This is a first class facility for our people. We hope that the public would use and utilize this office to get the passports. This is actually our way of bringing the services of the DFA closer to the people,” he said. “And it will be easier for our public to apply for a passport and in a faster, more relaxed and convenient way,” he added. Hernandez also urged Filipinos to visit the new consular office. “Those who are staying here in the East of the National Capital Region could avail of the services of our passport consular office here at Megamall,” he said. “We assure you that this will be a faster and more convenient way of applying for a passport,” he added. Meanwhile, Seguis also invited the public to experience the world class service of the new consular office: “To the passport applicant, you can apply for your passports here in Megamall, 7th floor. Only applicants with scheduled appointments and senior citizens with valid proof of age shall be accommodated. “What you do now is to look at the [DFA] website where you just have to make an appointment at a particular time and day – kung anong oras at kung anong araw kayong pwede pumunta,” he explained. “Mas madali yun, bibigyan kayo ng appointment and as soon as you have the appointment you can come on time – madali yung proseso na yun,” he added. Starting September 3, 1,000 applicants shall be accommodated at DFA-NCR East, which will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays for both processing and releasing and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays for releasing only. Only applicants with scheduled appointments and senior citizens with valid proof of age shall be accommodated. To schedule an appointment, please log on to www.passport.com.ph or to www.megamall.passport.com.ph or call (02) 737-1000. DFA-NCR East will also provide authentication services to the public. — with reports from Michaela del Callar /LBG, GMA News