DFA – Department of Foreign Affairs – Purpose, Functions, and Responsibilities

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is a government agency responsible for the conduct of foreign relations in the Philippines. The primary objective of the DFA is to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interest of the Philippines, as well as to promote its active participation in international negotiations.

Also Read: ILAB – International Labor Affairs Bureau – Purpose, Functions, and Responsibilities

The DFA is headed by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, who is a member of the President’s Cabinet.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assists Filipinos with passport issuance and authentication services.

Following the foundation of the First Philippine Republic, the DFA was one of the first government departments to be established. On June 23, 1898, President Emilio Aguinaldo selected Apolinario Mabini as the Republic’s first Secretary of Foreign Affairs, which raised suspicions.

As of January 2016, the DFA had opened roughly 21 regional consulate offices in the provinces and 5 satellite offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) to make consular services more accessible to the Filipino population.

department of foreign affairs office philippines

What is DFA?

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is the Philippine government’s executive department tasked with contributing to national security and the protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty, participating in the national endeavor of sustaining development and enhancing the Philippines’ strategic advantage, protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of Filipinos living overseas and mobilizing them as partners in national development.

What are the Benefits?

The Department of Foreign Affairs is mandated by Republic Act No. 7157, also known as the “Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991,” to implement the three (3) pillars of Philippine foreign policy, as follows:

1. National security preservation and enhancement.

2. Economic security promotion and accomplishment.

3. Protection of Filipinos’ rights and promotion of their welfare and interests in other countries.

Vision

The following is the DFA vision statement:

A resilient foreign service for a strong Philippines

Mission

The DFA mission statement for the coming years is as follows:

To promote and protect Philippine interests in the global community.

Core Values

The DFA Core Values are:

  • Excellence
  • Integrity
  • Patriotism
  • Professionalism
  • Service

Mandate

In order to fulfill its constitutional duty, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) advises and aids the President in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, integrating, and evaluating the whole national effort in the field of foreign relations.

Objectives

The DFA objectives are listed below.

  • Contribute to the strengthening of national security and the protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty;
  • To contribute to the national effort to sustain development and improve the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global marketplace;
  • To improve international awareness of Philippine culture in order to foster mutually beneficial relationships with other nations;
  • To improve the Department’s performance, increase and maximize human, financial, technological, and other resources;
  • To protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos living overseas, as well as to mobilize them as participants in national progress; and
  • To portray the Philippines in a positive light.

Below is the latest Department of Foreign Affairs Logo

dfa logo

DFA Programs and Services

DFA offers programs and services to all Filipinos living overseas. The agency can also protect and promote the rights and welfare of Filipinos who live in other countries.

Few individuals are aware of the DFA’s programs and services. So, to better advise you, take a look at this comprehensive list of programs and services available to all Filipinos.

Authentication of Documents

The process of authenticating the origin of a public document by validating the authenticity of the signature and legal authority of the public official who signed it is known as “authentication.” However, it does not vouch for the accuracy of the content of the public document to which it refers.

Apostille is applied to the underlying Philippine public document that will be used abroad as proof of authentication.

If the country of destination of the authenticated document is also a State Party to the Apostille Convention (except for Austria, Finland, Germany, and Greece, who have opposed to the Philippines’ admission), there is no need for legalization by the concerned Foreign Embassy / Consulate.

What are the Requirements?

  • Affidavit of Consent/Advice, Joint Affidavit, Special Power of Attorney/Memorandum of Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding/any other form of Contract.
  • Barangay Clearance/Certificate
  • Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR, Advisory on Marriage and/or Negative Records) and Birth/Marriage/Death Certificate
  • Certificate/s of Medical
    • For employment: DOH stamp per document.
    • For other purposes: Certification issued by DOH with attached Medical Certificate.
  • Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP) issued document/s
  • Document/s from the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC)
  • Documents from the courts (decisions, resolutions, and orders)
  • Documents from the School
    • For students in elementary and high school (Form-137 and Diploma)
    • For Technical and Vocational Courses (TOR and Diploma/National Certificate)
    • For Universities and State Colleges (TOR and Diploma)
    • For Colleges and Universities in the Private/Local Sector (TOR and Diploma)
  • Driver’s License (Certification from Land Transportation Office Main Office)
  • DSWD Clearance
  • Export Document/s
  • Government agency’s business registration and other documents (e.g. SEC, DTI, BIR, SSS, Municipal Business Permit & Licensing Office, etc.)
  • Immigration Record/s
  • Private entities issued certificates of employment, trainings, seminars, baptismal certificates, and other documents.
  • Sundry/NBI and Police Clearance (Original copy)

How to Apply?

Step 1: Print your confirmation letter and bring it to the Appointment Verification Counter.

Step 2: Compile the required documentation before proceeding to the processing window.

Step 3: Take your valid government-issued identification (original and photocopy) and the documents to the processor for evaluation.

Step 4: Pay the cashier the appropriate fees.

Step 5: On the stated date and time of release, bring your original legitimate government-issued ID and the official receipt to claim the document.

Consular Records

The Office of Consular Affairs’ Consular Records Division (OCA-CRD) receives and processes applications for registration or delayed registration of various reports of vital events (Report of Birth, Marriage, and Death) that occurred overseas and involved Filipino people.

It also acts as a clearinghouse for information between Philippine embassies and consulates and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). To satisfy the needs of clients with civil registry issues and concerns, OCA-CRD communicates with our Posts overseas and PSA.

Filing of a petition under RA 9048 or RA 10172 to correct a clerical error

A petition to correct a clerical error (under RA 9048 or RA 10172) in a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Certificate of Birth, Marriage, or Death can be filed at the local civil registrar or the nearest Embassy or Consulate to the applicant’s residence. You may contact OCA-CRD by email at oca.crd@dfa.gov.ph for further details.

Registration of Report of Birth (ROB)

Present original documents and five (5) photocopies of each, which should be organized into sets of five in the order listed below:

  • FA Form No. 40/ Rev. 01 24 April 2018 (Report of Birth Form).
  • Birth Certificate issued by the country of birth (the original copy should be provided to the DFA)
  • The child’s first passport or travel document.
  • Foreign Marriage Contract / Authenticated Marriage Certificate of Parents from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
  • Parents’ passports (valid at the time of the child’s birth) + both parents’ passports (current and valid).
  • A total of five (5) recent passport-size pictures of the child
  • Affidavit of Delayed Registration (notarized) [necessary only for children beyond the age of one (1) year].

Registration of Marriage (ROM)

Present original documents and five (5) photocopies of each, which should be organized into sets of five in the order listed below:

  • Form of Marriage Report (Form Rev. 01 24 April 2018)
  • Contract / Certificate of Marriage (original copy should be submitted to the DFA)
  • Both parties’ birth certificates
  • Affidavit of Delayed Registration (notarized) [needed only for applicants who have been married for at least one year].
  • Two (2) Disinterested Persons’ Notarized Affidavit [needed only for applicants who have been married for more than one (1) year].
  • Negative Certification of Marriage Record from the PSA (CRS Form No. 3)

Registration of Death (ROD)

Present original documents and five (5) photocopies of each, which should be organized into sets of five in the order listed below:

  • Form for Death Report (ROD Form Rev. 01 24 April 2018).
  • Certificate of Death (original copy should be submitted to the DFA).
  • Certificate of Casket Sealing
  • Report on autopsy and embalming
  • Passport photocopies of the deceased (data pages only)

For reports of Filipinos who died in foreign countries from 2020 onwards:

Please send an email to oca.crd@dfa.gov.ph to see if the death has already been registered at the Foreign Service Post with authority over the location of the death.

Reminders:

All transactions are strictly BY APPOINTMENT ONLY due to the present health situation. Please send your application and any queries to oca.crd@dfa.gov.ph. After that, you will receive an email confirmation of your appointment date and time to submit the requirements at DFA Aseana (for Metro Manila-based applicants) or the nearest DFA Consular Office.

Fees to be paid: The consular charge is USD 25 in Philippine Pesos or about PHP 1,200 (depending on the daily exchange rate). In Japan, there are extra fees for applications involving births and marriages.

How to Apply for Report of Birth, Report of Marriage, or Report of Death?

Step 1: Complete all of the required documentation.

Step 2: Before going to the local Consular Office, send an email to the Consular Records Division to request an appointment. Send an email with scanned copies of the documentation requirements attached (for initial verification and appointment schedule).

Step 3: Submit documents to the Civil Registration Window when they have been pre-evaluated and an appointment has been set.

Stage 4: Before moving on to the next step, the Civil Registration Unit Processor stationed at the Window will review the provided documents and ensure that they are complete.

Step 5: At the Cashier, the applicant must pay the consular fee: USD25 in Philippine currency.

Step 6: After making the payment, the applicant must photocopy the receipt five (5) times and return to the Window to present it. The original receipt and a copy of the Request Form will be given to the applicant.

Step 7: For registration, the submitted Report and supporting documents will be sent to the relevant Foreign Service Post (Embassy/Consulate General).

Obtaining Transmittal Details of ROB, ROM or ROD already registered overseas

Please send a copy of the registered ROB, ROM, or ROD form issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate to the following email addresses to obtain the transmittal details (Despatch number, Reference number, and Transmittal Date) of Reports of Birth, Marriage, or Death already registered at Philippine Embassies or Consulates overseas:

  • Americas (USA, Canada, Latin America, South America)
    Email: oca.crd-us@dfa.gov.ph
  • Asia Pacific countries
    Email: oca.crd-aspac@dfa.gov.ph
  • European countries
    Email: oca.crd-eu@dfa.gov.ph
  • Middle East and African countries
    Email: oca.crd-mea@dfa.gov.ph
    Telephone Number: 8836 7744

Philippine Passport Application

The Philippine Passport is the Republic of the Philippines’ property at all times. It must be handed up to an authorized representative of the Philippine government upon demand.

The information on the passport application form must be accurate and truthful. The materials to be submitted should be accurate and full. Making false representations on the passport application form, as well as providing fake or fraudulent papers in support of the application, is illegal.

What are the Requirements?

  • Completed Application Form
  • Confirmed Online Appointment
  • Personal Appearance
  • Original and photocopy of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Authenticated Birth Certificate on Security Paper.
    • Married females (who use their spouse’s surname) must also show an original and photocopy of a PSA Authenticated Marriage Contract on Security Paper or a Marriage Report.
    • If the PSA Birth Certificate is not clear or cannot be read, a copy from the local civil registry is required.
  • One Passport or Valid ID

How to Apply?

To schedule an appointment at the DFA Aseana Courtesy Lane, use this link https://passport.gov.ph.

If you need to travel urgently and are outside of the NCR, contact the nearest DFA Consular Office. For a list of our Consular Offices across the country, check this link https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/directory.

Applicants in the NCR may send an email to oca.cl@dfa.gov.ph or oca.concerns@dfa.gov.ph for an examination of their accommodation request.

Note that documentation of emergency or urgent travel (medical certificate, valid working visa or permanent residence card for OFWs returning overseas, enrolment confirmation or acceptance letter from schooling institution, and so on) is required for evaluation.

Philippine Visa Application for Foreigners

A Philippine Visa is an endorsement on a travel document by a consular officer at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad indicating that the visa application has been properly examined and that the bearer is permitted to proceed to the Philippines and request permission to enter the country from Philippine Immigration authorities at the ports of entry.

Because the admission of foreign nationals into the Philippines is a responsibility of the immigration officials at the port of entry, the visa issued does not guarantee that the holder would be automatically allowed.

What are the Requirements?

  • Completed application form
  • Copy of 9(e) arrival stamp in the Philippines
  • Copy of latest valid visa
  • Copy of Protocol Diplomatic ID or proof of marital union (for dependent spouse only)
  • Copy of the principal’s passport and visa (for dependents and household members
  • Letter of Endorsement from the requesting Foreign Embassy Organization accredited in the Philippines
  • Original Passport of the applicant
  • Two Passport size photos
  • Proof of legal status as a tourist or a businessperson
  • Return or onward tickets to the next port of destination that have been confirmed
  • Payment of Visa Fees

How to Apply?

Step 1: Compile the required documentation.

Step 2: Submit your requirements to the VISA assistant, who will evaluate your application.

Step 3: Step 4: Pay the cashier the appropriate fees.

Step 5: On the stated date and time of release, bring your original legitimate government-issued ID and the official receipt to claim the document.

Video: Applying for DFA Passport in 15 Minutes

In case you want to get more tips of how to get DFA passport appointment in fastest way, kindly check out the video below to guide you.

It’s hard to secure a passport appointment slot online. DODONG DITOON gave a quick overview of the tactics and tips for booking a passport appointment in less 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions regarding the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.

1. What is DFA?

The Philippine government’s executive department, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is charged with contributing to national security and the protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty. It also protects and promotes the rights and welfare of Filipinos living overseas and mobilizes them as partners in national development.

2. What is the DFA email address?

OUMWA email addresses are:

  • For apostillization/authentication of a Philippine-issued document: authentication.inquiry@oca.dfa.gov.ph
  • For civil registration or filing of a Report of Birth/Marriage/Death: oca.crd@dfa.gov.ph
  • For government officials/personnel applying for a diplomatic or official passport: oca.dops@dfa.gov.ph
  • For visa renewal for accredited representatives of Foreign Missions and International Organizations: oca.visa@dfa.gov.ph
  • For other concerns and general inquiries: oca.concerns@dfa.gov.ph

3. What is the DFA hotline?

You can reach the DSWD via their hotline:

  • Authentication Concerns Hotline: 0966-410-8465(Globe),0967-307-3111(Globe)
  • For Passport Appointment Concerns: (02)8234 – 3488
  • For Passport, Authentication and other Consular Inquiries: (02)8651 – 9400
  • Passport Releasing Hotline: 0939-320-0569 (Smart)
  • Visa Hotline: 0955-852-3251(TM)

4. Can I go directly to DSWD?

No, the Consular Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – Office of Consular Affairs at Aseana Business Park will follow the following daily operation hours/schedule till further notice due to the amount of personnel affected by COVID-19 in comparison to the daily volume of applications served:

  • Authentication Services – per appointment basis from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; no walk-in is allowed
  • Passport Application Services – per appointment basis from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; no walk-in is allowed.
  • Passport Releasing Services – 8 am to 12 noon
  • Passport Status Inquiry/ Special Concerns/ Follow-up – maximum of 75 applicants daily

5. What is the purpose of DFA?

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) advises and assists the President in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, integrating, and evaluating the whole national effort in the field of foreign relations.

6. How do I make an appointment at DFA?

Schedule an appointment at https://www.passport.gov.ph.

7. How long will it take to obtain a passport?

The passport is issued to the applicant within 30-45 days when a normal application is submitted and within 7-14 days if the application is submitted through the Tatkaal mode.

8. How long does a Philippine passport last?

The Philippine passport has a ten-year validity duration for those granted to Filipinos 18 years or older, according to Department Order No. 010-2017 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10928 (2017). Filipinos under the age of 18 will continue to be issued passports with a five-year validity period.

9. What is the limitation period for registering a vital event (birth, marriage, or death)?

In general, a vital event such as a birth should be documented at the Local Civil Registrar of the City/Municipality where the birth happened within thirty (30) days of the birth. However, vital events that occurred Overseas must be reported within twelve (12) months of their occurrence. It must be filed with the Foreign Service Post (Embassy or Consulate General) that has authority over the location of the critical event.

10. How much does an Apostille cost, and how long does it take to get one?

DFA-OCA charges Php100.00 for ordinary processing (issued after three working days) and Php200.00 for expedited processing (to be released the following working day).

NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, expedited document authentication processing has been temporarily suspended.

Summary

In conclusion, the DFA is responsible for the issuance of passports and other travel documents, as well as the authentication of documents for use overseas. The DFA also provides assistance to Filipinos who are in distress situations abroad. For more information, you may visit their website or call their hotline.

Following the foundation of the First Philippine Republic, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was one of the first government ministries to be established. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) supports Filipinos with passport issuance and authentication services. The DFA has created roughly 21 regional consulate offices in the provinces to make consular services more accessible to the Filipino population.

Contact Information

DFA Main Office
Address: ASEANA Business Park, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. cor. Bradco Ave., Brgy. Tambo, Paranaque City 1700 PHL
Telephone Numbers:

  • Authentication Concerns Hotline: 0966-410-8465(Globe),0967-307-3111(Globe)
  • For Passport Appointment Concerns: (02)8234 – 3488
  • For Passport, Authentication and other Consular Inquiries: (02)8651 – 9400
  • Passport Releasing Hotline: 0939-320-0569 (Smart)
  • Visa Hotline: 0955-852-3251(TM)

E-mail addresses:

  • For apostillization/authentication of a Philippine-issued document: authentication.inquiry@oca.dfa.gov.ph
  • For civil registration or filing of a Report of Birth/Marriage/Death: oca.crd@dfa.gov.ph
  • For government officials/personnel applying for a diplomatic or official passport: oca.dops@dfa.gov.ph
  • For visa renewal for accredited representatives of Foreign Missions and International Organizations: oca.visa@dfa.gov.ph
  • For other concerns and general inquiries: oca.concerns@dfa.gov.ph

Website: https://dfa.gov.ph/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dfaphl

Google Map Location:

Below is a map guide to the DFA Main office:

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