20 October 2014 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and APO Production Unit (APO), Inc. signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Procurement of Authentication Certificates with e-Registry and Document Management Systems (DMS-EMR) Components last October 13.

DFA Undersecretary for Administration Linglingay F. Lacanlale and APO Production Unit Chairperson Milagros S. Alora signed the MOA.

The DFA engaged the service and sought the cooperation of APO Production Unit, a recognized government printing office, for the printing of highly-secure authentication certificates and co-develop an e-Registry System and Document Management System for the Department.

The development of the two IT systems, including the necessary computers, servers and other equipment, comes at zero cost to the Department, and is subsumed under the purchase of the new certificates.

The Document Management System is a software solution co-developed by the Authentication Division and APO Production Unit which will standardize and streamline the current authentication backend processes, significantly reduce turnaround time, optimize manpower resources, and minimize Authentication Certificate spoilage rate.

On the other hand, the e-Registry System will make available a database of specimen signatures which can be accessed by DFA Consular Offices. The e-Registry System likewise makes online verification of Authentication Certificates issuance by interested parties possible, further fostering security and integrity of public documents. 

The e-Registry System, which enables online verification of Apostille issuances, is a major requirement for joining the Apostille Convention. The Apostille Convention streamlines into a single formality the legalization procedure of public documents to be used abroad. END