Catarman: Lawmakers in Northern Samar have welcomed the decision of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to set up a consular office in Northern Samar. Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Niko Raul Daza announced in a social media post that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the opening of a consular office in the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, the consular office is expected to be operational by 2026, providing services such as passport application and renewal, authentication of documents, assistance to overseas Filipinos, and visa-related services. Rep. Daza credited his father, Rep. Paul Daza, a member of the 19th Congress, for initiating the request for a satellite office, which has now been upgraded to a full consular office. He expressed his pride in continuing his father’s work and helping to make this project a reality for the people of Northern Samar.

The staffing pattern for the new office has already been approved, ensuring that the office will be adequately equipped to serve the community. Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan shared that he recently met with DFA Assistant Secretary Zaldy Patron to discuss the establishment of the office. Ongchuan highlighted that, in addition to opening the consular office, efforts are being made to promote local tourism sites and explore overseas employment opportunities for residents.

Currently, residents in Northern Samar face long travel hours to obtain DFA services in cities such as Tacloban, Cebu, or Metro Manila. The new consular office aims to alleviate these challenges by providing accessible services within the province.