4 June 2004 – Over a hundred laminating machines worth PhP9 million were turned over to the Department of Foreign Affairs by the French Embassy in simple rites held at the DFA today. The machines were donated by two French companies, namely Arjo Wiggins Security SAS and Fasver. Both companies are known producers of paper and laminates for use in travel documents and identification cards.

Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin M. Ebdalin received the machines on behalf of the DFA from French Ambassador to the Philippines, Renee Veyret. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Romeo V. Jacinto, General Manager of Star Paper Corporation, which is the local partner of Arjo Wiggins and Fasver.

The donation paves the way for the DFA’s shift from cold pressure process-sensitive lamination system to the heat-sealed system, which is another important step taken by the government towards compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The heat-sealed lamination system is an innovation adopted by many countries to further strengthen the security of their passports. It also improves the efficiency and uniformity of passport issuances as all booklets have to pass through a special passport booklet laminator.

In the Philippines, the new heat-sealed machine readable ready passport (MRRP) booklets will be issued starting September.

The formal turn over ceremony was attended by distinguished officials from the Office of Consular Affairs of the DFA, delegates from the French Embassy, and officials from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Star Paper. The BSP is the official printer of Philippine passports. - END