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29 November 2016 — The Department of Foreign Affairs opened its 6th satellite office in the National Capital Region (NCR) at Robinsons Mall, Novaliches, Quezon City on November 29.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. led the inauguration of DFA NCR-North together with Representative Alfredo D. Vargas III of the 5th District of Quezon City and Robinsons Land Corporation Senior Vice President and General Manager Arlene G. Magtibay.

Also present at the event Undersecretary Ariel Y. Abadilla, Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Frank R. Cimafranca, DFA NCR-North Officer-in-Charge Carolina A. Constantino, Quezon City Councillors Joe Visaya and Julienne Alyson Medalla, and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism Justin Mae San Jose.

Secretary Yasay highlighted the strength of the continuing partnership between the DFA and Robinsons Land Corporation in the delivery of passport services.  He also acknowledged the important role played by Representative Vargas as the proponent of a House Bill urging the DFA to establish a satellite consular office in Novaliches.

The Secretary noted that the DFA intends to establish more consular offices nationwide.  He said that in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to streamline processes and provide better government services, the DFA is working with the Senate and the House of Representatives for the amendment of RA 8239 or the Philippine Passport Act to extend the validity of passports from five years to ten years. 

According to the Secretary, the DFA is also reviewing requirements for passport applications under RA 8239, with the goal of simplifying these requirements without compromising the integrity of the Philippine passport.

The DFA expects that with the opening of the DFA NCR-North, residents of Quezon City and nearby cities and provinces can apply for and renew their passports in a safe and convenient environment. END         

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