DFA Offices Soon to Open in SM Malls

Even as the new Department of Tourism’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” attempts to bring more tourists into the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs has made it easy for those who wish to travel to other countries to get their passports.

Shopping convenience is not the only thing Filipinos can enjoy in SM Malls.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced that Filipinos from all over the country will soon be able to apply for their passports in SM Malls all over the country.  DFA Secretary Albert Del Rosario and SM Prime Holdings’ Hans Sy inked an agreement today for SM Malls to open five consular offices in the coming months.  With this move, Del Rosario said that they would succeed in “bringing consular services closer to the public” while at the same time generating over P1 billion in savings.  SM Malls that will host consular offices include SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, SM City in Manila, and SM Malls in Davao, Baguio, and Batangas.  The DFA has earlier partnered with other similar mall operators such as Robinsons Land Corporation, Ayala Land Inc., and Pacific Mall Corporation to open 11 mall-based consular offices throughout the country.

Apart from decongesting the main DFA consular offices in Manila, the mall-based consular offices will be able to make it more convenient for an estimated 10,000 Filipinos to take care of their passport transactions on a daily basis.  This move by the DFA is seen as another public-private partnership project that benefits Filipinos at no cost while at the same time resulting in the savings for the agency.  Passport applicants may still transact at the main passport facility located at the Aseana Business Park along Macapagal Avenue in Parañaque City. 

The same documentary requirements as well as dress code restrictions will be imposed in all Philippine passport issuing offices throughout the country.  The public is also advised to schedule their passport application or renewal transactions properly so as to allow for possible unavoidable delays in processing.  More information about applying for or renewing a Philippine passport is available at the DFA’s Passport Application Appointment System official website.  Applicants may also call the DFA Passport Application System hotline number 737-1000.     

Photo:  frannywanny.com