Immigration brings “Service Beyond the Metro” caravan in Cebu

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1091439617246/immigration-brings-service-beyond-the-metro-caravan-in-cebu
• Monday, August 17, 2015

By Hazel F. Gloria (mbcn/hfg/PIA7)

CEBU CIY, August 17 (PIA) – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) brought its “Service Beyond the Metro” caravan in Cebu recently at JCentre Mall Convention Hall, Mandaue City, Cebu.

This is a one-stop-shop caravan that include services such as; 10 Long Stay Visitors Visa Extension; 2) Extension and implementation of Student Visa; 3) Updating of Stay; 4) Alien Registration Program (ARP); and 5) Application and issuance of ACR I-Card.

BI Alien Control Officer for Cebu Casimiro Madaramg III said, “Cebu plays a key role in taking care of foreign nationals in the country because it is a preferred location for foreign nationals since the place is one of the tourist destinations and the economy is very well growing.”

Madarang said, the program aims to engage and collaborate with the transacting public and the local communities to allow a more transparent and more effective and efficient processing of immigration document.

BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison on the other hand said, this is part of the activities leading to the BI’s 75th anniversary in September and also a way to make its personnel at the field officers feel they are part of the celebration.

It provides more interaction among BI’s top management and its field personnel to resolve grievances and equipment requirements, Mison added.

A first in BI history, “Service Beyond the Metro” offers a one-stop service that allows the transacting public to receive their immigration documents on the same day that the application was filed.

Heads of the issuing offices of BI are also present to address queries from the public and also receive suggestions to improve immigration services.

“Due to system limitations, some papers need to be transmitted to our main office in Manila for approval. Through ‘Service Beyond the Metro,’ we basically bring our main office services around the country,” added Mison.

The program will run for two months and will include services to Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro, among others.

The caravan already completed its services to Olongapo, Baguio, Batangas, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.