DFA-OCA Conducts Consultation Meetings and Information and Briefing Sessions on the New Philippine Passport Act
PARAÑAQUE CITY 25 September 2024 - The Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) recently held a series of consultation meetings and information and briefing sessions to discuss Republic Act No. 11983, also known as the New Philippine Passport Act, along with its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). These sessions are a key part of the DFA's ongoing efforts to streamline and standardize passport application procedures and requirements across all consular services, ensuring a more efficient and timely delivery of services to the public.
The consultation meetings and information and briefing sessions were organized by the OCA-Passport Division and were attended by 850 personnel from Consular Offices (COs), Foreign Service Posts (FSPs), Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (TOPS), and the Office of Consular Affairs (OCA). These sessions, conducted through both virtual and onsite modalities, ensured that participants from across the Philippines and abroad could engage in the discussions.
The initial virtual consultation session on the New Philippine Passport Act took place on 31 July 2024, with the Heads of Consular Offices (HCOs) from across the country in attendance. This was followed by two additional virtual sessions on 06 and 07 August 2024, attended by the Heads of Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) and their representatives. Led by Acting Passport Director Von Ryan G. Pangwi, the sessions addressed passport-related concerns and provided a comprehensive overview of the key provisions of the new law, ensuring that personnel are well-equipped to implement the updated policies.
DFA OCA successfully concluded its series of consultation sessions on 10 August 2024 at DFA-OCA Aseana, with OCA and TOPS personnel in attendance. Deputy Assistant Secretary Arman R. Talbo opened the session, expressing his gratitude to all participants for their dedication and commitment to enhancing their skills in line with OCA’s mission to provide improved services to Filipinos. He also underscored the significance of the Passport Division's initiatives and emphasized the importance of thoroughly discussing the key provisions of the New Philippine Passport Act, as well as the updated requirements and procedures for passport processing.
Assistant Passport Director Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas led the morning session, presenting an overview of the New Philippine Passport Act, with a focus on its key provisions. The discussion covered the updated passport application process, including specific requirements for adult, minor, and lost passport applications. Following this, Acting Passport Director Von Ryan G. Pangwi addressed special cases in passport processing and provided the updated list of acceptable identification cards. Other important topics discussed included citizenship matters, reversion of married women to their maiden names, non-appearance passport renewals for Filipino senior citizens and OFWs overseas, as well as the issuance of emergency passports for Filipino travelers.
The consultations also featured an open forum that was actively participated in by all attendees, both onsite and virtual participants. The open forum provided a platform for exchanging insights and addressing passport-related issues and concerns. The insights from the Assistant Passport Director and Acting Passport Director provided practical guidance in handling passport applications pursuant to the New Philippine Passport Law.
The OCA-Passport Division is committed to further capacitating its personnel through a series of upcoming training programs and engagements. These initiatives will include interactive seminars to deepen understanding of the New Philippine Passport Law, improve passport processing procedures, and ensure the effective implementation of the law. Through its continuous efforts to advance the skills and expertise of its personnel, the Office of Consular Affairs is dedicated to delivering high-quality passport services to Filipinos both locally and abroad. END
Acting Passport Director Von Ryan G. Pangwi (right) and Assistant Passport Director Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas (left) in their discussion during the Information and Briefing Session at DFA-OCA Aseana, Parañaque City on 10 August 2024.
