Kudos to DFA!

It was back in 2002 when I went to the Department of Foreign Affairs on official business for the first time. Five years later, I came back to renew my passport and was pleased to see that a government unit can make a notable improvement. Of course, things can be so much better than they already are. Nonetheless, it feels good to note that at least one of the many government agencies that most of us, taxpayers frequent tries to step up.

Somehow the experience made me ease up a little on the thought that government offices here in the Philippines are hopelessly sloppy, thus, unworthy of the funds received from taxpayers.

Some significant observations:

Then and now,

• As early as 4:00 AM, people would be lined up in front of the 1st gate at the side entrance waiting for application forms to be given out. The lucky ones who already have the forms printed out from the web http://www.dfa.gov.ph/consular/passportapplicationform.pdf, photocopied from friends or received from the previous day’s visit to DFA would be lined up at the 2nd gate for step 1 (initial screening of requirements).
  
  Not much people flood gate 1 and those who are in attendance aren’t there for the forms, but to have their bags and requirements inspected before getting in.
  
  
• The 1st gate, being open to all would have applicants, fixers, vendors, beggars, pick-pockets, parked vehicles, stray dogs and oblivious security guards next to each other.
  
  Candy wrappers, pieces of paper, misplaced belongings and other sorts of trash would be scattered. It’s a perfect eyesore to add to the stressful environment.
  
  Only those with official business are allowed to enter. Not even friends or relatives of applicants, unless otherwise necessary.
  
  The place is acceptably clean.
  
  
• DFA employees would act as if they are unapproachable gods and goddesses who do passport applicants a great deal of favor of processing their papers, when as a matter of fact, these people are the ones who put food on their tables – taxpayers, they are.
  
  Staff would engage themselves into “small talks” while their clients wait in almost endless lines.
  
  Most of the employees appeared genuinely helpful. They seem mindful enough of their own businesses and are conscious of the fact that a great number of taxpayers are waiting to be served.
  
  
• People who personally process their applications would have no other choice but to come back or send a representative on a DFA specified date and time to claim their passports.
  
  Delivery option via a reputable courier group is available for a fee making it so much easier for those who wish to avail of such service.

Again, things can be a lot better than they already are. Nonetheless, I say KUDOS to DFA!