DFA to open passport offices in Ilocos Norte, Isabela 

Two new mall-based passport offices will open in Ilocos Norte and Isabela, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Labor Day.

The DFA said its new consular office at Robinsons Place in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte will open on May 8 and another one will open at Robinsons Place in Santiago, Isabela on May 15.

The two passport application and renewal offices will both operate Mondays through Saturdays.

“DFA is committed to make its passport and other consular services more accessible to our people. The opening of these two consular offices is a firm example of that commitment,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano said.

The DFA also re-opened its consular office at Robinsons Mall North Abucay in Tacloban recently.

The department clarified that Robinsons Mall is hosting DFA consular offices for free.

“The new locations promise more convenient and comfortable passport application, especially for clients within the area and the nearby provinces who will now experience the improvements that we are making in the passport application system,” Cayetano said.

The DFA was heavily criticized for its handling of huge volume of passport applications. The new passport, which is valid for 10 years, was launched this year.

In a statement, Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Frank Cimafranca, said passport production increased by nearly 20 percent last year.

He added that the DFA is expecting to open more consular offices across the country. /ee