DFA-OCA Conducts Consular Offices Consultation Meeting and Information and Briefing Session on the New Philippine Passport Law
MANILA 11 JULY 2024 - The Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) held a Consular Offices Consultation Meeting and Information and Briefing Session on Republic Act No. 11983, known as the new Philippine Passport Law, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. This event, held on 27-28 June 2024 at Aspen Hall, Sequoia Hotel, Aseana City Business Park, Parañaque, Metro Manila, gathered all Heads of the 39 Consular Offices across the country.
The program began with opening remarks from OUCSA Undersecretary Jesus S. Domingo. Following this, OCA Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz introduced a video message from Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo. Secretary Manalo emphasized the legislative milestone represented by the implementation of the New Passport Law. He urged vigilance in protecting the integrity of Philippine passports and commended the Consular Affairs team for their dedication and professionalism.
On the first day, Office of Consular Affairs Passport Division’s Acting Director Von Ryan G. Pangwi and Assistant Director Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas led discussions and briefings on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the New Passport Law, along with recent developments affecting consular services. Among the most significant of these are the new rules on the reversion to maiden names of married or formerly married women, the issuance of emergency travel documents at Foreign Service Posts (FSPs), and future plans to facilitate non-appearance passport renewal applications.
Representatives from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) conducted a lecture on the proposed Voter’s Certification Authenticity Verifier (VCAV). Mr. Robert Ongkiko demonstrated the system’s functionality and introduced components of the new Voter’s Certification format.
The second day featured valuable updates from Assistant Secretary Robert O. Ferrer Jr. of the Office of Migration Affairs (OMA), who discussed the recent developments on the Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) service at Foreign Service Posts (FSPs). He elaborated on the transition of ATN functions to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and highlighted the reorganization and renaming of offices to better focus on migration policies. Additionally, Director Conrado B. Demdem Jr. provided administrative and logistical updates involving Consular Offices (COs). Directors from the Visa Division, Civil Registry Division (CRD), Authentication Division also delivered significant updates on consular services within their respective divisions.
DFA-OCA convened this two-day meeting to enhance collaboration and address key concerns in the New Passport Law, aiming to streamline passport policies across all Consular Offices for consistent alignment of the Department's procedures. The meetings gathered recommendations and inputs from Heads of Consular Offices to standardize passport processing guidelines, and develop a localized communication plan on the standardized guidelines, ensuring a unified approach.
Heads of Consular Offices (HCOs) had the opportunity to raise common issues and concerns, proposing recommendations to harmonize procedures and improve passport operations for better public service. Participants also engaged in workshops and focus group discussions, sharing recommendations and best practices from different regions. END
