DFA Inaugurates New Consular Office in Kidapawan City

(Left to right) Mr. Ronan Eugene C. Garcia (former RDC XII-MEDAFC Chairperson), Head of Consular Office Kidapawan Nadjefah Mangondaya, RD Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of NEDA 12 (Acting RDC XII Chairperson), Board Member Ivy C. Dalumpines-Ballitoc of the Province of Cotabato (representing Gov. Emmylou J. Taliño-Mendoza), Board Member Joseph A. Evangelista (former Mayor of Kidapawan City), Mayor Jose Paolo M. Evangelista of Kidapawan City, Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Domingo, DFA Office of Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary Henry S. Bensurto Jr., Mr. Reynaldo Pagal (representative of Cong. Rudy S. Caoagdan) and Vice Mayor Melvin E. Lamata, Jr. of Kidapawan City. (CO Kidapawan photo)

14 September 2022 - The Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo and Kidapawan City Mayor Jose Paulo M. Evangelista led the inauguration and launching of DFA Consular Office (CO) in Kidapawan City at Alim Street, Barangay Poblacion, Kidapawan City on 05 September 2022. 

The establishment of CO in Kidapawan brings greater avenue for mutual cooperation and collaboration between the DFA and the City Government of Kidapawan especially in bringing public services, particularly consular services, closer to our kababayans in Kidapawan and nearby areas. The common goal is to ensure the public of a more efficient and convenient delivery of passports and other consular services to its constituents.

Undersecretary Domingo emphasized in his acceptance message that the opening of the CO in Kidapawan will help in promoting the SOCKSARGEN region in commerce and tourism. Further, he stated that the project will assist OFWs in the region, especially in Cotabato, so they do not have to spend resources just to get consular services.

The City Government of Kidapawan gave certificates and plaques of appreciation to the officials who contributed to the successful establishment of CO Kidapawan City.

Following the opening of CO Kidapawan started its operation on and accommodated Twenty-eight (28) passport applications. The CO-Kidapawan is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays. Among the consular services to be provided by CO Kidapawan are ePassport and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) services.

Closing the ceremony, Assistant Secretary Bensurto emphasized that the building represents bringing public service to the people.  “We have a home outside Metro Manila”, said Assistant Secretary Bensurto. 

CO Kidapawan is the biggest office outside Metro Manila. END

(Left to right) Mayor Evangelista, Undersecretary Domingo, and Assistant Secretary Bensurto. (CO Kidapawan photo)