In matters of national security, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) turns to the Department of National Defense (DND), which is responsible for guarding the country against external and internal threats. Established in 1939 by virtue of Executive Order No. 230, the DND is mandated to protect the State. This includes safeguarding the State’s sovereignty … READ MORE
Aside from providing passport, visa, and authentication services, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is actively engaged in various initiatives through the DFA Ladies Foundation, Inc. (DFALF). Established in 1996, the DFALF is a non-profit organization that aims to enrich the lives of members of the Philippine Foreign Service and the community. Typically, it is … READ MORE
While the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is tasked to enhance national security and protect territorial integrity, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is responsible for enforcing immigration and registration laws. Both agencies play important roles in the country’s development. Created by virtue of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, the Bureau of Immigration serves as … READ MORE
In terms of promoting gainful employment, developing human resources, and protecting workers’ rights, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) coordinates with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which formulates policies and implements programs on labor and employment. Among the core functions of DOLE are employment facilitation, workers’ protection and welfare, labor relations, and social … READ MORE
Before assigning and sending personnel to foreign service posts, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) trains and prepares them first through its attached agency, the Foreign Service Institute (FSI). The FSI serves as the primary training and research arm of the DFA. Established by Presidential Decree 1060 in December 1976, the institute designs and conducts … READ MORE
Just as citizens in the Philippines exercise their right to vote during elections, Filipinos abroad are able to do the same. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) facilitates overseas voting, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other government agencies. The COMELEC is the main government agency in charge of enforcing and administering … READ MORE
In June 1980, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) was created by virtue of Batas Pambansa Blg. 79, which aims to strengthen the Philippine government’s policy on promoting migrants’ welfare and interests. The CFO is tasked to coordinate with various agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in formulating integrated programs for the welfare … READ MORE
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) works closely with other Philippine government agencies. One of these is the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which was established by virtue of Republic Act No. 11641, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on December 30, 2021. Primarily, the DMW is mandated to facilitate the overseas employment as well as reintegration … READ MORE
Whether you’re a learner planning to study abroad, or a jobseeker who just got hired to work overseas, your Philippine documents must be certified as legitimate for international use. This involves the issuance of Apostille certificates, which used to be known as “red ribbon” certificates. Apostille certificates are issued by the Authentication Division of the … READ MORE
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has a special lane for certain individuals. This means that they can “walk in” at consular offices for passport applications, without having to book an appointment online. The Courtesy Lane is for the following: minors aged seven (7) years old and below, pregnant applicants, senior citizens, persons with disabilities … READ MORE