DFA opens satellite office at Ali Mall

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs has opened its newest satellite office at Ali Mall in Araneta Center, Quezon City in an effort to bring its services closer to the public.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, along with Araneta Group president and CEO Jorge Araneta, led the inauguration of the DFA-NCR Northeast branch on March 6.

Also present during the event were Araneta Group vice chairman Judy Araneta-Roxas; Araneta Group vice president for operations Antonio Mardo; Ali Mall property manager Morriel Abogado, DFA Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, DFA Assistant Secretary Wilfredo Santos, DFA Assistant Secretary Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, and Representatives Jorge Banal and Francisco Calalay.

The candidates of the Binibining Pilipinas 2014 also attended the event.

With the opening of the DFA-NCR Northeast branch, residents of Quezon City and nearby cities can apply for and renew their passports in a safe and convenient environment.

The DFA has designated special or courtesy lanes for senior citizens, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.

The DFA-NCR Northeast branch is one of the biggest satellite branches of the DFA at more than 700 square meters.

It can process up to 1,000 appointments daily. To secure a slot, visit the DFA website (www.dfa.gov.ph) to set an appointment on your preferred date.

The Ali Mall Government Center, a one-stop shop for basic government services, is located at level 2.

Aside from the DFA-NCR Northeast branch, the Department of Trade and Industry, Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Philippine Postal Corp. and Barangay Socorro satellite offices are also at the Ali Mall.

Satellite offices of the National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office and Quezon City Business Permit and Licensing Office will soon open at Ali Mall.