DFA brings services to Bohol with new office

By Leo Udtohan

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) opened its 41st consular office in Bohol on Friday, which will initially cater to at least 150 passport applicants daily.

It temporarily caters to walk-in clients on the 5th floor of Alturas Mall in Tagbilaran, while applicants can schedule an appointment via the DFA website. 

The opening of the consular office spares Boholanos from too much expenses going to DFA in Cebu and Dumaguete. 

Tresha Gift Pamisa, 22, said she was grateful that the DFA-Tagbilaran is now in Bohol.

“I am thankful that there is now a DFA in Bohol. I can’t spend a lot of money to go to another place to get a passport,” said Pamisa, the agency’s first client. 

Rep. Edgar Chatto of Bohol's first district  lobbied for the consular office even when he was a governor. 

Chatto said the much awaited government facility will provide convenience to Boholanos, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), in new passport application and renewal as well as other consular services.

"This was only a dream. Now, it is a reality," said Chatto. 

He said there were many challenges along the way and it took years to get approval because of the rigid criteria to follow to qualify as a DFA consular office.

"Concerns of Boholanos overseas and foreign nationals who are in the province as residents or tourists can now be addressed through the office," he said. 

Friday’s event was attended by DFA Team led by Usec. Jesus “Gary” Domingo and  Asec. Adelio Angelito Cruz, Marlito Uy of Alturas Group of Companies (AGC), Gov. Aris Aumentado, Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap, Balilihan Mayor Pureza Chatto, former Tagbilaran Mayor Baba Yap, and other officials.

"This can be a template on how a consular office can be created in our provinces and regions...This can be a model consular office," said Domingo.

Uy said it was a "gift" from AGC to the Boholanos in celebration of its recent 50th anniversary.

Aumentado said the opening of the consular office was a significant moment for the province’s history since for many years Boholanos have long yearned for its presence.

Cruz also presided over the oath of office of the 15 newly hired DFA-Tagbilaran  personnel. 

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