DFA to conduct mobile passporting in Catanduanes

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Oct. 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) Manila will conduct a one-day Mobile Passport Services (MPS) in the province on October 24, 2012 at the Provincial Capitol Dome.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Provincial Board Member Shirley A. Abundo, regular sponsor of the project said that DFA Undersecretary for Administration Rafael E. Seguis informed her office of the approval of her request.

“My office have been sponsoring the MPS to ease the burden of my fellow Catandunganons in getting passport outside the province. Through this mobile passporting, they can already save time and money,” Abundo said.

During the MPS, DFA will be accepting application and renewal of passports. Applicants must submit the completed passport application forms, together with other pertinent requirements to the Office of Hon. Abundo on or before October 19, 2012 (Monday).

The new passport applicants must attach to the duly completed form the original copy of their birth certificates (BC) in security paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO); photocopies of supporting documents like PRC/IBP ID; driver’s license; government service record; old SSS FORM E-1 or digitized ID; and other documents that show full name, birth details, signature and other details.

For renewal of passports, they must bring duly accomplished application form, old passport, photocopy of first, second, third and inner back page of the old passport and NSO authenticated Birth Certificate (for applicant with machine readable passport only).

Meanwhile, for married women using the surname of their respective spouses, they must also submit the original copy of her NSO SECPA marriage contract. If a woman wishes to revert to her maiden name, she must submit the NSO-certified true copy of the death certificate of her deceased husband or the dispositive portion of the judgment on annulment or divorce.

For minor applicants (below 18 years of age), the application form must be accompanied by the original copy of the child’s NSO BC and photocopy of the parents’ marriage contract and ID; as well as supporting documents of identity like school ID, DepEd form 137 or transcript of records.

According to OCA, they believe that the proposed MPS to Catanduanes is consistent with the Department’s thrust to provide more accessible service to the public.

Only 600 slots are available on a ‘first-come, first-served basis.’ (MAL/EAB - PIA Catanduanes)