CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration Cebu District VII will open its new satellite office today at the Gaisano Mactan Island Mall in Lapulapu City.
Casimiro Madarang III, alien control officer of BI Cebu District VII, said that this is in line with the program of Commissioner Ricardo A. David Jr. to bring the bureau closer to the public.
“This is to make our services with proximity to the public and in an effort to maintain the delivery of efficient and effective public service in our area of responsibility,†said Madarang.
Madarang, who is also the project coordinator, said that the commissioner signed a memorandum of agreement with Taipan Development Inc. president Henry S. Gaisano II for the BI to be allowed to use a 91-square meter area inside the mall for free.
The mall management renovated the place and provided the BI a space based on the agreed design and specifications. BI was also provided with the necessary furniture and fixtures, including transaction counters, office desk, chairs and four sets of desktop personal computers with printers and one dedicated broadband/internet connection.
The BI, however, will pay for the air-conditioning charges and other common expenses in the maintenance of the office.
The new satellite office was established to give foreigners in Lapulapu City and in the municipality of Cordova an alternative and convenient venue to process their immigration documents. — (FREEMAN)