DFA Consular Office Butuan Inaugurates Apostille Receiving Center
From left Ms. Elizabeth Calo, Provincial Administrator of the Province of Agusan del Norte, Atty. William Chirstian P. Dela Cruz, District Head, 1st District of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte, Hon. Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, Assistant Secretary, Office of Consular Affairs, Ms. Rhoda B. Avelino, Regional Operations Manager, Robinsons Land Corporation, Hon. Omar Andaya, Butuan City Councilor
BUTUAN 14 November 2024 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office in Butuan has successfully inaugurated its new Apostille Receiving Center on 28 October 2024, marking a significant milestone in expanding consular services within the region. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of the DFA’s Office of Consular Affairs (OCA), highlighting the DFA's commitment to enhancing access to essential services for the public.
The Apostille Receiving Center will streamline the processing of public documents for use abroad, benefiting residents, overseas Filipino workers, and businesses requiring document authentication for international transactions.
During the ceremony, the Assistant Secretary strongly supported the newly opened facility, underscoring how it fulfills the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) mission to enhance service accessibility across the Philippines. "The establishment of the Apostille Receiving Center (ARC) here in Butuan is a testament to our commitment to address the increasing demand for consular services among our fellow Filipinos nationwide, beyond just major urban centers," the Assistant Secretary shared.
The ARC will allow CO Butuan to accept Apostille applications, which will be forwarded to DFA-Aseana for processing and Apostille issuance and then mailed directly to applicants. "By bringing our services closer to our citizens, we ensure they have convenient access to the support they need," the Assistant Secretary added.
This expansion in Butuan marks another step forward in the DFA’s mission to provide timely, efficient, and citizen-friendly consular services nationwide. END
Asec Adelio Angelito S. Cruz delivered a compelling keynote during the inauguration, reflecting on the significance of the event and the broader vision it represents.
Atty. Dela Cruz delivered a thoughtful speech on behalf of Congressman Jose S. Aquino II and Ms. Rhoda B. Avelino of Robinsons Land Corporation, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent these distinguished figures.
The photo captured a memorable moment with the first four (4) apostille applicants, standing proudly alongside Atty. Manuel C. Ayap, Director of the Authentication Division, and Mr. Ryan John B. Macas, Head of the Consular Office in Butuan
The photo opportunity showcased Asec. Cruz stands proudly with Robinsons Land Corporation executives, Directors, and Representatives from various Regional Line Agencies, creating a powerful image of partnership and collaboration.
The group photo captures Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz with Director Demdem from the Office of Consular Offices Coordination Division (OCA-COCD), Director Ayap from the OCA-Authentication Division, and Mr. Ryan John B. Macas, the Head of the Consular Office in Butuan, along with the consular personnel. They stand together in a friendly, professional formation, smiling confidently.