Reps. Ongchuan, Daza hail milestone
TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar is set to host its own Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office by 2026, following the formal approval of the project by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—a move that is expected to dramatically improve access to essential government services for thousands of residents in the province.
The new office will rise in Catarman, the provincial capital, marking the first DFA facility in Northern Samar and only the second in Eastern Visayas, after Tacloban City. The project was originally proposed by former Congressman Paul Daza as a satellite office but was upgraded to a full-service consular office thanks to sustained efforts by 1st District Rep. Nico Raul Daza and 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan.
“This is a win for every Nortehanon,” said Rep. Nico Daza. “What started as a request has now turned into a full consular office that will bring government services closer to our people—no more long trips to Tacloban or other provinces.”
The Catarman DFA office will offer passport application and renewal, document authentication, visa-related services, and assistance to overseas Filipinos, many of whom come from Northern Samar. It is also expected to generate local jobs, with its staffing pattern already approved.
Rep. Ongchuan, who recently met with DFA Assistant Secretary Zaldy Patron, said the office is part of a broader effort to boost economic and social development in the province. Discussions also covered local tourism promotion and overseas employment programs for Nortehanons.
As a token of cultural pride, Ongchuan presented Patron with a copy of the Ibabao Festival Magazine, which features the vibrant traditions and community events in the province.
The lawmakers expressed gratitude to President Marcos, DFA Citizens’ Affairs Director Atty. Manuel Ayap, and the DFA leadership for supporting the initiative.
Currently, the nearest DFA office for Northern Samar residents is in Tacloban City, some 244 kilometers away. With the new consular office in Catarman, residents will soon enjoy faster and more affordable access to essential services that previously required extensive travel.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
