DFA ala-Divisoria

We went to the Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines) yesterday morning (December 27, 2007) to have our passposrts renewed. We've heard raves about the faster cues in that very important department of the Philippine government (given the millions of OFWs leaving the country each year).

What greeted us was a sea of people similar to a what Divisoria looks like during the Christmas season. Whoa! Why was I not surprised? The swarms of people were actually on cue! The lines snaked through the whole street that was located at the back of the DFA building along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City. The parking on the side street was difficult but at least there was a parking space. That's being positive.

People brought their kids along. These made things worse. Though they said there were separate lines for children and senior citizens inside the building, that didn't matter at this point. All one silly guy had to do was to shout "Sunog!" or Bomba!" and that would result in a terrible stampede maybe close to the ULTRA incident of Wowawee.

I brought my wife and two of my three kids just in case things were really smoother contrary to my suspicions. Well, after wading through the sea of humanity in a 5-minute walk to the end of the line and after 10 minutes trying to stay on line, we decided to call our travel agent and pay twice the price for an appointment to be set by our agent. We had to wait for an appointment but I guess the point of it all was to make sure I didn't put my family in danger.

I wish the good DFA Secretary, Alberto Romulo, would take time to stroll the backstreet of his office and see what the picture I included here really looks like. The picture was taken from the starting point of the line.

Let's give our people the respect and proper service that they deserve. Most of those who were there were either current OFWs or those to-be. Their contribution to the Philippine economy is tremendous and heroic.

As for me, I'll wait for my appointment. Even if that means PhP 1,800 out of my pocket, I'd rather pay up than take the risk.

Let's do a better job guys.