14 October 2015 – On October 09, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with APO Production Unit, Inc., for the printing of one million sheets of Authentication Certificates with high security features.

Undersecretary Rafael E. Seguis signed the MOA on behalf of the DFA while Milagros S. Alora signed on behalf of APO in her capacity as its current Chairperson. DFA Assistant Secretary Frank R. Cimafranca and APO Board of Trustees Member Luz R. Palacios stood as witnesses.

In his remarks, Undersecretary Seguis stated that the security enhanced Authentication Certificates strengthen the credibility of the consular legalization or authentication processes and services of the DFA, which aids in facilitation of employment, trade, commerce, justice, and in the private concerns of individuals by making sure that documents sourced from the Philippines becomes acceptable for use in foreign countries.

He also thanked APO for providing and maintaining the DFA’s e-Registry System at no cost to the DFA.

The e-Registry System is a data base of specimen signatures and issued Authentication Certificates that ensures the quicker authentication of documents as well as the quicker verification of issued Authentication Certificates.

DFA and APO Officials present during the MOA Signing

The DFA performs its Authentication functions in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, EO 292, s. 1987 (The Administrative Code of 1987), and EO 582, s. 2006. Authentication services are offered at DFA-OCA-Aseana, the DFA Field Offices at SM Manila, SM Megamall, Ali Mall, Alabang Town Center, and at Robinsons Starmills in San Fernando, Pampanga. END