NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) — More than 2,000 residents of Biliran have benefited from the Passport on Wheels program of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Through the efforts of the provincial government of Biliran and the municipal government of Naval, the mobile passporting service took place at the provincial capitol grounds on February 18-19 and at the Naval gymnasium on February 20-21.
Biliran residents expressed their appreciation for the program, citing the reduced expenses and convenience compared to traveling to the DFA office in Tacloban City for passport applications and renewals.
“Kini nga serbisyo kay dako kaayo’g tabang. Sa una, kinahanglan pa mi mogasto og dako alang sa pamasahe aron moadto sa Tacloban. Karon, P20 na lang akong nagasto sa pamasahe sulod sa Naval, imbis nga mogasto pa sa plete pabalik ug pagkaon,” said Almyrrha Lourieclaire Itol, a resident who availed of the service.
(This service is very helpful. Previously, we had to spend more on transportation just to go to Tacloban. Now, I only needed to pay P20 for transportation within Naval, instead of spending for a roundtrip fare and meals.)
Some applicants also took the opportunity to obtain their passports for future travel prospects.
Flordeliza T. Gelito, a teacher from Naval School of Fisheries, emphasized the importance of having a passport on hand.
“Dako kini nga oportunidad kay dili na nato kinahanglang moadto sa Tacloban. Maayo nga andam na daan ang pasaporte kay wala ta kahibalo kanus-a ta makakuha og igong pondo para makabiyahe sa gawas,” Gelito said.
(This is a great opportunity because we no longer need to go to Tacloban. Having a passport ready is useful, as we never know when we might have the resources to travel abroad.)
Several young individuals, accompanied by their parents, also took advantage of the program as they prepared for possible international travel.
Precious Grace P. Perino, 13, a student from Cathedral School of La Naval, was among those who applied for a passport.
“Gusto gyud ko magbiyahe inig kadako nako. Ang akong mama nag-awhag kanako nga mag-apply og pasaporte karon aron makauban mi sa pagbiyahe ngadto sa Singapore o Thailand sa umaabot,” she said.
(I really want to travel when I grow older. My mother encouraged me to apply for a passport now so that we can travel together to Singapore or Thailand in the future).
The ‘Passport on Wheels’ initiative has proven to be an effective way of bringing government services closer to the people, making passport applications more accessible and convenient.
The initiative, spearheaded by Biliran Governor Gerard Roger Espina and Naval Mayor Gretchen Stephanie Espina, provided a more accessible and cost-efficient way for residents to process their passports.
The overwhelming response from Biliran residents highlights the need for continued government efforts in decentralizing essential services for the benefit of communities especially in far-flung areas. (RSV/PIA Biliran)
