In the area of Region 12, the Department of Foreign Affairs finally opened last year their regional office at the Gaisano Mall of Gensan compound. It is located on the same side as the Shakey's Pizza & UNO food outlets. This is where each one must get their passport processed and make a personal appearance.
What is required when applying for a passport?
1. You need your birth certificate (NSO Copy in color green or yellow). Make sure that your name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth are correct information. A lot of the times, this become the main problem because of incorrect information.
2. If you are Catholic, you are required to show your baptismal certificate. For Christians - child dedication certification can be used too.
3. You must also submit other identifications -- if you are of age please bring your SSS, driver's license, school IDs or work IDs. Photocopy them too. You will just leave the photocopy
4. You will need to fill up the application form.
5. You must have a collared shirt for the photo with ears seen and with full hair seen. The background of the photo is Royal blue on a passport size photo. You will need 2 of these. But the DFA in Gensan has cooperative and you must take your photo with their accredited photographer inside the DFA. 4pcs of passport photo is Php150. (In other DFA offices around the country you can take your photo in any photo shops for much less)
6. You must prepare your money. For Rush E-passport is approximately 21 days processing (and if lucky it may be less) this will cost you Php 1,200. If you are getting the regular e-passport it is at Php 750.00.
Now you must prepare all these before heading to the DFA for your personal appearance. Unfortunately, the DFA has a new rule -- you can only get your appointment every Monday (and they only release 500 appointments per week). This is why so many people stay sunday nights at the parking lot Gaisano Mall Gensan. People actually complain that the numbering system is given away as early as 4 am. By 8:30 AM on a monday morning you will not have a chance to get an appointment for the week. Its just too bad if you come from Lake Sebu or Tacurong and
Having the chance to speak to Mr. Diovensio Agos, the OIC of DFA he shared that the system in DFA is needing fine tuning. The bureaucratic system of the government and bidding for the leased line is causing them delay to service properly the people in Region 12.
The most unfortunate thing is the fact that many have been clamoring and complaining with this 500 a week system especially for those who live very far from Gensan. Even those who live closer complain already, what more for those who are far.
We look forward to the day that DFA GENSAN will partner closely with travel agents just like the other DFAs in the country. It makes it so much easier for the travelling public.
