(Dec. 26) Day one – I went to NBI (National Bureau of
Investigation) Baguio office to get my clearance. I was told to come back after fifteen days
for the release of my clearance. Then I proceeded to DFA (Department of Foreign
Affairs) Baguio to check what I will need to prepare before filing my passport
application. Since they require an NSO (National Statistics Office) issued
birth certificate,
(Dec. 27) Day two – 9AM- We left our home and proceeded to
Regional Consulate Affairs. I asked them
if my old birth certificate would suffice. The answer is "NO". And I also need an
affidavit of loss of passport. So we went to NSO and asked advice from the CARE
section. I was told to get an endorsement certificate from where I was born. We
then went to PAO (Public Attorney’s Office) Baguio area. I got an affidavit of loss
of passport free of charge - Though I did pay sixty and two Pesos for my
residence certificate at City Hall. Our next step is the "endorsement letter" from Manaoag, Pangasinan. We decided to do it after New Year’s celebration.
After all, we’re not in a rush.
(Jan. 2, 2012) Day three – 11AM – As soon as I was parking
my bike in front of the Municipal building, Norma is already asking an old man
nearby who is good enough to usher her into the local registrar office of
Manaoag, Pangasinan. She applied for my “endorsement certificate” and after one
hour, I was looking at her coming out from the municipal building with a sealed
envelope in hand. She said that she paid fifty pesos for it and the local registrar
advised her to send it by mail. We decided to bring it personally to NSO
Baguio, since we’re already going home. At 2PM, Norma submits the sealed
envelope at NSO office Baguio and we’re on our way home. Hopefully, by January
16, I can get my birth certificate that I can use to get my passport.
(Jan. 16, 2012) Day four – 9:30AM – I got my NBI Travel
Clearance. “I’m CLEAN”.
And at 11AM, I’m already holding my NSO issued birth certificate. “No additional charges”. Tomorrow morning will be the last leg for my quest.
(Jan. 17, 2012) Day five – 6:30AM – We left our home and
rode a jeepney going to town. There was an ongoing Highway repair at a stretch
of four kilometers, maybe more, that causes annoying and time consuming traffic.
8:30AM – We arrived at DFA regional office and I was given a small piece of
paper with number 109 written on it which means, I’m the 109th
person to be serve. They’re only serving 200 people each day. At 11:40AM – I
was told to phone the office for follow-up, Feb, 8, 2012. They’ll have to check
my records. If I’m lucky, I’ll have my “BIOMETRIC” the same day.
Norma already went home around 10AM because she’s not
allowed inside the office. Only applicants are allowed. So I went home alone.
March 21 - Finally... I feel free.
(Feb. 8, 2012) Day six – It’s already few minutes passed 8AM
when we arrived at RCO Baguio. There were too many applicants lined-up in a
zigzag fashion to fit the space in front of the building. I secured my position
at the end of the line and ask Norma to make a phone call just to make sure my
name is already on the list. (Feb. 1, I already received a text message from
RCO informing me to continue processing). I got my number 229. Thirty more
applicants are added to the usual 200 and I’m second to the last. (God is
watching me, I think). I was advised to come back at 1:30PM. I came back at the
office at 1PM and as I expected, I was the last man to leave the office..
The date of release of my passport was set on March 21,
2012.
