The first time I made a blog on how to get a passport for my minor son was 3 years ago. This is just an update since I recently applied for my other two kids.
DFA Cebu is located at Pacific Mall in Mandaue. A very convenient way is to ride the Sugbo Tour bus in South Bus Terminal with a fare of Php40 each. Wide and airconditioned. The good thing is that they don't wait for the bus to get full of passengers.
We didn't have to get an appointment online since my kids are under 7 years of age. However, I looked at DFA's website to check on the requirements and see if anything has changed. Primarily requirements needed are:
1. Accomplished application form (open link or you can ask for the form from the security guards)
2. PSA birth certificate (of the minor applicant)
3. Marriage certificate if only one parent is accompanying the child
4. Passport of Valid ID of either parent
5. School ID (if started schooling)
Please prepare a photocopy of all the documents needed to avoid possible delay. Make sure to carry with you a black pen for the forms. In case you missed to produce a copy of your documents or forgot to bring your black pen, don't fret. There are stalls selling pens at Php10 each and photocopy costs Php5 per page.
When we got at the entrance of DFA, I immediately went to the guard and ask for the form. After filling in the necessary information, I handed him back the form and was told to wait for my name to be called.
It didn't even take 10 minutes when my name was called. I went inside and asked to take a seat at the courtesy lane. The same lane for PWD and Senior Citizen.
During my turn, (as expected the male staff acted rudely. Sorry for generalising but there was really no instance that they were not politely since the very first time I applied for a passport, to renewals, down to my three kids and even up to my parents. We all have the same experience about how staff at DFA were establishing a tone which sounds awkwardly unpleasant.) I was asked for my two children's PSA birth document both original and photocopy, and an original and photocopy of my passport. Basically, the staff took everything including originals except for my passport. I wrote down my signature three times in the two copies of my passport and lastly, I filled out my children's name, birthdate, gender, and birthplace on a piece of paper. It probably took me less than 10 minutes in that section.
After that, I went to the next stage which is the payment center, I was told that I have no other options but to get the express processing (Php1,200) and did not even state a valid reason. I was fine with it since I have decided beforehand to get the expedited process anyway. It only took less than 3 minutes after I handed the cash to the female staff, and proceeded to the final section which is the picture taking.
At the cubicle, I was asked to take off the children's earrings and make sure that hair ties are not visible. My youngest went pretty quick but my other one was a bit taking time because she can't seem to hide her teeth when seeing a camera. lol. However, it took no more than 10 minutes. There you go! :) I am very happy to hear your thoughts about this blog. Any comments and suggestions I would happy to see below! God bless :)
