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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA launches digital authentication of PH-issued documents

DFA launches digital authentication of PH-issued documents

Published Mar 16, 2026 07:11 pm
(DFA Photo)
(DFA Photo)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday, March 16, launched the fully digital apostille for Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) certificates for easy authentication of such documents even abroad.
During the launching ceremony, DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines is the first Southeast Asian nation to launch a fully digital apostille or eApostille in a move that demonstrates the country’s “continued commitment to innovation, interoperability, and international engagement in an increasingly digital world.”
An apostille is an official certificate issued by a government authority authenticating a public document’s origin. It is legally recognized in or by countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.
In March 2024, DFA first launched e-Apostille services and has since issued 42,300 eApostille Certificates.
And on Monday, DFA said, it took “a major step forward” through partnerships not only with PSA but also with the CHED.
Thus, PSA eCertificates and CHED eCAVs are now fully integrated into the DFA’s Fully Digital Apostille System.
“Through this System, eApostilles are issued as fully digital certificates — not merely digitized copies — featuring advanced cryptographic safeguards and integrated QR-based verification,” Lazaro said.
“Being digital in form, eApostilles ensure authenticity and carry the same legitimacy as traditionally issued public documents,” she added.
Lazaro said ordering process for digital apostille "now faster and more convenient" as it now takes less than ten minutes to complete.
"Once the DFA receives the corresponding PSA eCertificate or CHED eCAV electronically, the e-Apostille can be issued the next working day," she said.
Effective Monday, Paper Apostilles will no longer be issued for PSA and CHED documents.

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DFA PSA CHED Ma. Theresa Lazaro Apostille e-Apostille
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