17 February 2010 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo said that the realization of a dream came into fruition with the implementation of the ePassport and the turnover of the new Department of Foreign Affairs consular building.
"It is part of our dream for the Filipino people to have a world-class passport and consular services. We have done it through the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and the ePassport, and now the dream is complete with the new DFA-Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) building," he said during the building's turnover ceremonies held yesterday morning.
He added that before, Filipinos had to bear the embarrassment and humiliation of being shunted aside in immigration queues and questioned lengthily on the veracity of their identities and their passports, which caused many delays for the Filipino traveller.
"When we were issuing green passports, other countries were already issuing International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)- compliant passports. It was like being back in the Middle Ages. Now, we are one of the 60 countries now issuing the ICAO-compliant MRP and ePassports," he explained.
Secretary Romulo said that the new consular building completes the fulfillment of the dream.
"In this intelligent building, instead of sweltering heat, our consular clients will be greeted with cool air at the moment they enter our doors. Instead of monobloc chairs, they will wait their turn sitting on ergonomically-designed stainless steel benches. Instead of long queues, they can shorten their wait by accessing our online appointment system. Instead of going from building to building, they only need to move from ground to second floor," he added.
He said that DFA-OCA personnel will also enjoy the convenience of modern work stations, furniture and equipment.
The new building is part of the ongoing modernization program undertaken by Secretary Romulo to further improve the DFA's frontline services which include harnessing new technologies in passport and visa issuances and streamlined procedures in the authentication of documents.
"Now, we have a passport and a consular building that is efficient, progressive and serviceable, and will give every Filipino ease, comfort and pride. With everyone's support, the Filipino can be truly world-class," Secretary Romulo added.
Also present during the turnover ceremonies were Development Bank of the Philippines President Patricia Sto. Tomas; Mr. John Kenneth Ocampo, owner and contractor of the building; representatives from the diplomatic and consular corps and other government agencies; and DFA officials.
During the event, awards and citations were also conferred on individuals who contributed to the successful implementation of the MRP, the ePassport, and the construction of the new DFA building.
Conferred with the Gawad Mabini with the rank of Grand Cross (Dakilang Kamanong) was DFA-OCA Executive Director Eleanor L. Jaucian. Also conferred with Gawad Mabini with the rank of Commander (Dakilang Kasugo) were DFA Office of the Secretary Special Assistant Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo, former DFA-OCA Passport Director Donna Celeste F. Gatmaitan, and DFA-OCA Principal Assistant Fernando V. Beup Jr.
The Gawad Mabini is the highest honor given to Filipino diplomats.
Citations were given to the following: Mr. Ocampo, DFA-OCA Consular Records Division Director Jocelyn A. Morales, DFA-OCA Authentication Division Director Luzviminda L. van Opstal, DFA-Adminstrative Service Unit's Angelita C. Aguilar, DFA Management and Information Service Division Director Patrick John U. Hilado, former DFA-OCA Acting Executive Director Lourdes S. Tabamo, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Director Emmanuel P. Cuntapay and DPWH Engineers Bayani G. David, Joselito P. Gonzales, Lamberto Bonifacio and Louie Molina.
The new facility is located at the corner of Bradco and Macapagal Avenues in Aseana Business Park, Paranaque City, a few minutes away from the Mall of Asia.
The acquisition of the P530-million, 7,000-square meter and four-storey building was realized with the assistance of the DBP.
The new facility will be the home of the ePassport, the electronic authentication system, the electronic visa system, and digitalized consular records system.
An intelligent building, the facility is equipped with fiber-optic lines, CCTV cameras and other high-tech information and communications infrastructure. Made of tempered glass and steel, the modern OCA office departs from the traditional concrete buildings.
To ensure quick, comfortable service, passport applicants are advised to check the passport requirements and secure an online appointment at www.dfa.gov.ph (consular tab), or to call the consular help-line number (02-556-0000) or DFA telephone number (02-834-4000). Applications may also be filed with the DFA's 19 Regional Consular and satellite offices. END