Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will now start issuing e-Apostille for documents issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). At a ceremony in Manila on Thursday, officials of the DFA and MARINA signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate the latter's Maritime Education Certification, Authentication, and Verification (MeCAV) system into the e-Apostille system.

According to Philippines News Agency, the integration allows MARINA-issued MeCAV documents to be electronically transmitted to the DFA for Apostille processing without the need for physical submission. The resulting e-Apostilled MeCAV is issued entirely in digital format and delivered directly to the applicant's registered email address. Applicants and end-users may verify the authenticity of the e-Apostilled MeCAV through the DFA e-Registry.

The DFA stated that the e-Apostilled MeCAV carries full legal weight and eliminates the need for printed copies, reducing processing time and enhancing convenience for users. The service may be accessed through the DFA e-Apostille Portal, while the application process for the eApostille of MeCAV documents can be completed online.

With the launch of this service, processing time will now take at least a day, reduced from the normal three-day period. The new e-Apostille service for MARINA documents follows the earlier launches for Philippine Statistic Authority and Commission on Higher Education e-certificates.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, in a separate message, commended Filipino sailors for their contributions to maritime trade while highlighting the risks they face at sea. She emphasized the importance of the safety, security, and welfare of seafarers, especially along key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

According to MARINA, there are approximately 1.2 million Filipino seafarers with valid identity documents, with at least 800,000 possessing certificates that enable them to sail abroad.