IN accordance with the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) guidelines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced it has suspended the operations of its Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) in Aseana, Parañaque City, all Consular Offices (CO) in Metro Manila, and the COs in Malolos, Dasmariñas, Laguna and Antipolo.
The DFA said the suspension of operations will be from August 4, 2020 until August 18, 2020.
Passport applicants with confirmed appointments during these dates will be accommodated beginning August 19, until September 30, 2020, “Mondays to Fridays, during regular business hours.”
Also, those seeking Authentication, Civil Registration, and other consular services will be accommodated starting August 19, until September 30, 2020. DFA said passport applicants who were affected by the MECQ declaration are reminded that there is no need to reschedule, or cancel their confirmed appointments. For the e-mail addresses and other contact details of the CO, please visit https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/directory#COS.
The DFA also reminded the public that due to logistical limitations in light of the MECQ, there may be some delays in the production, delivery, and availability of passports nationwide, and at Philippine Embassies and Consulates General until the MECQ period ends and logistics partners’ operations are stabilized. Passport applicants are advised to prepare contingencies for their travel plans.
Applicants with questions or emergencies may get in touch with the CO where their appointment was scheduled.
Applicants may send an email to oca.concerns@dfa.gov.ph / passportconcerns@dfa.gov.ph or call (+63)2-8234-3488 for Passport Appointment Concerns. For Passport, Authentication, and Other Consular Inquiries, the public may call the Client Concerns Unit at (+63)977-353-3942 (Globe) or (+63)961-567-9324 (Smart).
The OCA seeks the understanding of the public in the delays in email or call responses due to the volume of calls and emails received.
The DFA said it prioritizes the safety of the public and of its personnel, and appreciates the public’s continued patience and understanding as we adjust to the “new normal” in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recto Mercene