458 get new Philippine passports

The office of Philippine honorary consul to Saipan Glicerio “Eli” Arago staff and volunteers were able to distribute 458 new passports last week at the JP Center in Garapan. (Mark Rabago)

The office of Philippine honorary consul to Saipan Glicerio “Eli” Arago was able to release 458 new passports to Filipino citizens living in the Northern Marianas during a three-day distribution at the JP Center in Garapan.

Annamae Adaza, who helps out with the distribution, said their busiest day was last Wednesday, Jan. 11, with 161 passports released, followed by Thursday, Jan. 12 (140), Friday, Jan. 13, (83), and then Saturday, Jan. 14 (74).

Adaza said no serious problems were encountered during their distribution.

“Everything went smoothly. There were no complaints. Many were very happy with their new passports. A few were disappointed because their passports were not here yet,” she said.

Eva Osian, who hails from Pangasinan in the Philippines, said she’s very pleased with the new passports because they’re much improved compared to the previous ones.

Mel Santos, a staff of Arago’s office, said the delay in the arrival of others passports was due to problems with the capturing of the photos of those who renewed their passports.

Compared to previous distribution events, Santos said that more new passports were distributed because the honorary consul’s office now has two image capturing machines.

Adaza and Santos reminded Filipino citizens who have yet to claim their new passports to get them at Arago’s temporary office at the TSL Plaza.

Eight new passports remain unclaimed and these belong to: Melchor S. Cano; Jessie S. Basares; Lilibeth E. Jisman; Kriszell C. Moralejo; Jane P. McCale; Manuel P. Pastoral; and Ricardo L. Talibong Jr.

The new passports will be valid for five years instead of 10. The possibility of its extension was a suggestion by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Those who missed out on the four-day distribution can still pick up their passports at the TSL Plaza in Garapan.

OWWA available

In related news, the Philippine Consulate General in Guam, in coordination with the Arago’s office, will conduct a mobile consular and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration membership application from Jan. 22 to 26, 9am-6pm at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi Purpose Center in Susupe.

Those who wish to renew their passport, submit your application at TSL Plaza 3rd floor Legal Office, Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM (12pm-1pm break time).

OWWA requirements are the following:

• Application form

• Copy of CW1 or green card

• Copy of passport

• $25 fee (cash only)

For any inquiry about passport renewals, call Santos 233-6293 and for OWWA inquiry call Adaza at 483-5237.