DFA Says Consular Offices To Resume In Areas Not Affected By ECQ
DFA CONSULAR OFFICES TO RESUME – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said some consular offices would resume operations.
The offices that would be open are under areas that are not affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Moreover, this would take effect on Monday, May 4.
According to a report from GMA, these areas include:
- Cotabato
- La Union
- Puerto Princesa
- Santiago
- Tuguegarao
However, due to the ECQ extension to May 15, most consular offices in Luzon would still be shut down. Meanwhile, the DFA stated that the consular offices in Visayas and Mindanao have been open for most of the quarantine.
These areas include:
- Butuan
- Dumaguete
- General Santos
- Tacloban
- Clarin, Misamis Occidental
As per the report, Misamis Occidental’s consular office would be open, however, documents are needed to pass the boundary. This is due to Misamis being under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) until may 15.
Even though the some of the offices would be open, social distancing measures would still be practiced. As such, walk-in applications at consular offices would temporarily be suspended in areas under a GCQ.
Applicants are required to schedule an appointment via email to apply for passport issuance or renewal. Likewise, even those in courtesy lanes and Diplomatic and Official Passports Section have to abide by these rules.
Applicants aged 60 and above, as well as those considered by the DOH to be vulnerable, are advised not to proceed with their applications for consular services at this time.
However, in cases of urgent need, they may wish to coordinate with the Office of Consular Affairs further on how they may be accommodated
DFA
Furthermore, applicants are required to wear face masks and have their temperature checked before being allowed entry inside the offices.