By Nel Andrade
ANTIPOLO CITY - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has opened its newest consular office in this city on Friday in partnership with SM Supermalls.
The 31st DFA Consular Office, located on the 3rd level of SM Cherry Antipolo, which is situated on Marcos Highway shortly after Masinag Junction if coming from Marikina, is the first in the city and the province of Rizal.
The new DFA office which is also the 25th Consular Office to be opened outside Metro Manila, will cater to thousands of resident of Rizal province and nearby areas.
It will initially handle passport issuance for new applicants and renewal for old passport holders.
Glen Teh, DFA Foreign Service Officer told the Manila Bulletin that the new DFA Consular Office is catering to around 300 online applicants daily based on its soft opening earlier this month.
He said the number of passport applicants is expected to increase to around 1,000 as more on-line applicants are requesting appointments through the DFA online application website.
Mayor Casimiro ‘Junjun’ Ynares, III and other city government officials were present during the inauguration of the new DFA office the other day.
“We are truly excited with the opening of a Consular Office of DFA here in SM Cherry Antipolo, not only it is beneficial to the regular shoppers but we are reaching out to a larger public through the service they provide. SM Supermalls continue to strive to be a one-stop shop for everyone by having government offices inside our malls, “ SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President Ronald Allan Brosas said.