10 August 2004 – In line with the Philippine Foreign Service’s continued efforts to improve the delivery of its services to Filipinos all over the world, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore (Singapore PE), under the leadership of Ambassador Belen F. Anota announced the rationalization of its workweek to make it more “Filipino-friendly.”  Starting 01 August 2004, Singapore PE shifted its workweek from the previous Monday to Friday schedule to a Sunday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM work calendar.

This development came as Singapore PE’s response to the Filipino Community’s clamor to make embassy services available during Sundays, which is the most convenient time for Filipino workers and professionals in the island-state to conduct business with Singapore PE.  As a result, the full range of the embassy’s services will be made available to the public on Sundays, including consular services (passport, visas, notaries); labor matters (overseas employment certificate, employment contracts); welfare needs (OWWA membership, e-card, PhilHealth); and assistance to nationals (police and immigration cases).

On 01 August, the first Sunday of regular service, the Embassy reported some 70 transactions/services rendered to the embassy’s clients, which included passport applications, visa applications for extended stay in the Philippines, execution of notaries and affidavits and authentication of employment contracts.  This number is expected to increase with time as more and more embassy clients get used to its being open during Sundays.

Many Singapore-based Filipinos were reported to have welcomed this move by the embassy and expressed appreciation for the Post’s responsiveness and sensitivity to the situation and needs of the Filipino community.

Following the new work schedule, Singapore PE will be closed on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as public holidays, but like before, duty officers will still be available at the embassy from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM to respond to any queries from the public.  For emergency situations that arise after office hours (i.e. after 5:30 PM), on any day of the week, an emergency duty officer may be contacted through (65) 9816-9425.

Singapore PE earlier announced its new work schedule to its public through various means like Singapore-based Filipino magazines, community events and Filipino church services.  Letters were also given out about a month ago to leaders of all Filipino community associations and groups, as well as to all accredited placement agencies.  END.