Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 253)
The primary policy is to bring public service closer to the people.
The Passport Extension Offices primarily deliver passport services in various regions.
They were located in San Fernando, La Union (Region I); Cauayan, Isabela (Region II); San Fernando, Pampanga (Region III); Lucena City, Quezon (Region IV); Legaspi, Albay (Region V); Iloilo City, Iloilo (Region VI); Cebu City, Cebu (Region VII); Zamboanga City, Zamboanga (Region IX); Cagayan de Oro City (Region X); Davao City, Davao (Region XI).
They engage in public information and education on government policies and attend to requests for assistance from relatives of overseas contract workers residing within their regional jurisdiction.
The upgrade aims to sustain efforts in providing assistance to overseas contract workers and their relatives in the Philippines by expanding functions, scope, and responsibilities.
Each office is headed by an Officer-In-Charge with the minimum rank of Foreign Service Staff Officer (FSSO).
They shall be composed of Home Office-based personnel and locally hired employees from the region.
Yes, they are authorized to rent a staff house for Home Office-based personnel, preferably in the same building or premises where the office is located.
Funding comes from the annual budget of the DFA and the Passport Revolving Fund. For 1995, an initial fund of Five Million Pesos was released from the President's Contingent Fund or other available appropriations.
The Secretary is tasked with formulating additional implementing guidelines necessary to effect the Order, ensuring coordination with the Secretary of Budget and Management for provisions with financial implications.
It took effect immediately upon its signing on June 22, 1995.