In connection with the recent approval by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the request of Vice Gov. Rene Lopez Relampagos and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members to conduct a “Passport on Wheels” program here, the said national agency is also in the process of possibly considering the establishment of a consular office in Bohol.
In a reply letter addressed to Relampagos dated Feb. 4, 2022 from DFA ASec. Senen T. Mangalile, it said: “The Department [of Foreign Affairs] will be happy to carefully study this request [for a consular office].”
It can be recalled that on Jan. 19, 2021, the SP approved Resolution No. 2021-053 urging the DFA to establish an extension office here in Bohol. The said resolution was initiated by Relampagos himself due to the growing demands of new passport applicants and those who are seeking to renew their respective passports.
According to Relampagos, he is aware about Boholanos having difficulties in the processing of passport applications or renewals in Cebu City or in other provinces, which have a DFA office, due to the additional expenses that they have to incur, and the health risks associated with the pandemic.
Moreover, Relampagos added that having a DFA office in Bohol will also help overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who wish to apply for passports or to renew their expiring ones.
Bohol has a large population of OFWs and these people need the passport services being offered by the DFA.
According to the Overseas Workers Welfares Administration (OWWA), as of Sept. 21, 2021, the province of Bohol has a total of 55,836 active OFWs and 245,896 inactive OFWs for a total population of 301,732 OFWs.
Likewise, based on OWWA Statistics, as of Oct. 2021, the Province of Bohol has a total number of 30 OFW organizations.
Furthermore, based on OWWA’s data, Bohol ranks 2nd in terms of the highest number of OFW organizations throughout Region VII compared to Negros Oriental with a population of only 27,830 OFWs and 14 OFW organizations.
Ironically, Negros Oriental has its own DFA office located in its capital, Dumaguete City.