DFA and APO Production Unit Inks MOA for the Procurement of Authentication Certificates with E-Registry and Document Management System (DMS-EMR) Components
DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Ariel Y. Abadilla (left) and APO Production Unit Chairperson Michael L. Dalumpines (right) signs the Memorandum of Agreement.
19 April 2017 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and APO Production Unit, Inc. (APO), signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Procurement of New Authentication Certificates. DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Ariel Y. Abadilla and APO Production Unit Chairperson Michael L. Dalumpines signed the MOA.
The new security paper to be used by the DFA in the issuance of authentication certificates in the Philippines features enhancements that prevent tampering. With a thinner and lighter paper and an improved color gradient, it will be difficult if not impossible to replicate.
The development and maintenance of the e-Registry and DMS-EMR components 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 standardizes and streamlines 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 makes 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.
More commonly known for its iconic red ribbon, authenticated documents are usually required for employment and study abroad. The DFA authenticated nearly 800,000 documents in support of employment needs of Filipino workers overseas last year.
The signing of the agreement took place the day after the DFA was awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification for authentication process. END