BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO
The long awaited dream of Boholanos strongly pushed by Congressman Edgar M. Chatto has been realized with the opening of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office in Bohol on Friday, November 29, 2024.
The new DFA office, located on the fifth floor of the Alturas Mall in Tagbilaran City, was inaugurated in a simple ceremony attended by national and local government officials.
In his interview with Newsmakers ug Uban Pa host Ardy Araneta-Batoy, Chatto expressed his elation over the realization of his goal to establish a DFA office in Bohol, so that his constituents would no longer need to travel outside the province to obtain passports or transact with the DFA.
“This is the fulfillment of a dream,” said Chatto. “Boholanos no longer have to go to Negros Occidental, Cebu or Manila just to get their passports or conduct other DFA-related transactions.”
Chatto thanked Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, who sent a video message for the inauguration, as the country’s top diplomat was out of the country at the time.
The solon said the DFA handpicked the 15 personnel who will man the new office, selecting them from a pool of 500 applicants.
Chatto expressed confidence that the DFA chose “the best and the brightest” to staff the Bohol consular office.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado, who also attended the inauguration, acknowledged the support of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the DFA leadership in making the new office a reality.
“Nothing can do better than having Bohol’s own consular office,” Aumentado said, expressing gratitude to Chatto and the Alturas Group, represented by Marlito Uy, for their efforts in establishing the office.
DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus “Gary” Domingo, who led the inauguration rites, praised Chatto as the DFA’s “friend in Congress” and recognized the crucial behind-the-scenes work of the congressman’s office staff and the DFA in bringing the project to fruition.
Domingo also acknowledged the support from the provincial government, saying “nothing can be done” without “the power of the purse” or the authority of the legislature.
In his remarks, Chatto admitted that securing the DFA and Malacañang’s approval, as well as the necessary funding, was no easy task, requiring years of persistent effort.
He singled out Uy and the Alturas Supermarket Corporation for providing the space within the mall for the DFA-Bohol office, saying their partnership was vital in realizing the long-sought consular office.
“Thank you, Congressman, for everything. We commit to work together,” Uy said in his own speech.
Usec. Domingo revealed that DFA Secretary Manalo wants the DFA-Bohol to serve as a “model consular office” and a “template” for establishing similar offices in other provinces.
While Manalo was unable to attend the inauguration, he sent a pre-recorded message praising the “best and brightest in Bohol” who will staff the new consular office.
The inauguration and opening of the DFA-Bohol Office at the Alturas Mall in Tagbilaran City took place at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024.
Apart from the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the program included the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the DFA and the Alturas Group, as well as the oath-taking of the 15 personnel who will manage the new office.
Boholanos, including foreign residents, tourists, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning to the province, will no longer have to travel outside Bohol to avail of consular services.
EFFORTS AND LEGACY OF CHATTO
The House of Representatives of the Philippines passed House Bill No. 8767, an act establishing a regular Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) consular office in the city of Tagbilaran, Province of Bohol.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Edgar M. Chatto of Bohol’s First District, aims to address the needs of the province’s large overseas Filipino worker (OFW) population and growing tourist arrivals.
In its explanatory note, the bill states that Bohol is home to more than 50,000 OFWs. With the opening of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport in 2018, the influx of tourists has also steadily increased.
“At present, Boholanos in need of consular services are forced to travel to Negros Occidental, Cebu, and Manila, which is a waste of time, effort, and resources,” the note reads.
The establishment of a DFA consular office in Tagbilaran is seen as a way to “greatly facilitate not only the need of Boholanos but also of others needing consular services” in the province.
The bill also reflects the government’s policy of promoting social justice and making social opportunity available to everybody.
The passage of the law was “earnestly sought” as it improves public service and convenience for Boholanos and others requiring consular assistance, the note states.
House Bill No. 8767 was received by the House of Representatives on February 17, 2024, indicating it is currently under consideration by the 18th Congress of the Philippines.