Applying for my baby's passport at DFA Alabang

I was so happy when I found out that there was already a DFA branch in Alabang Town Center because it would be so much more convenient for us to go there. Plus, it's inside the mall which makes it even better! ;p

I realized that I needed to get my passport renewed already, and figured I'll just get Skyler one as well para sabay na. Although it says in their website (http://alabang.passport.com.ph) that children below 1 year old do not need appointments, I still went ahead and made one for both of us (using the family appointment option).

We were scheduled on a Tuesday at 4pm. We arrived a little bit earlier (like around past 3pm), and normally you will not be entertained until 30 minutes before your appointment. But since we were with Skyler (who was 9 months old at that time), they let us in at once. Oh, and hubby was also with us. I think they usually only let one parent/companion in (unless all of you will be getting passports) but since I also had an appointment, hubby became Skyler's chaperone.

Here were the other requirements I brought:

- Printed Application Form (on long bond paper)
- Skyler's Original Birth Certificate from the NSO (plus a photocopy)
- Our Marriage Certificate from the NSO (plus a photocopy)
- Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person traveling with the minor (in our case, I brought mine and hubby's as well)
- I also photocopied our IDs (driver's license) just in case they ask for it

In the general requirements list though, there is an item requiring a Notarized Affidavit of Support and Consent to travel from either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / from mother (if minor is an illegitimate child).

I was really confused about this and didn't know if I had to make one since Skyler was going to be traveling with me anyway. I tried to research and some said you still had to submit one regardless, while others said there was no need. In the end, I didn't make it since I remember not having one when I applied for Miley and Sabe's passports a couple of years ago. And I was right, since they didn't ask us for it. You only need to submit this if the child will NOT be traveling with the parents:

Affidavit of Support and Consent (ASC) executed by either parent indicating the name of the traveling companion and relationship to the minor. If minor will be traveling alone, ASC must be executed by either parent, stating that his/her child will be traveling alone. If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the ASC.

There are other more specific requirements for minors with different cases (parents abroad, illegitimate, orphaned, adopted, etc). So just check the website for those.

It was all smooth-sailing once we got inside. First, we presented our application forms at the Appointment Counter. Then, we were given a queue number and then waited a bit for our number to be called (maybe about 5 minutes). We then went to the processing window where all our documents were checked. I remember having to photocopy something again but the xerox machine was just a few steps away so no problem. You'll also be asked if you prefer rush (7 working days) or regular (15 working days) processing.

We then proceeded to the Passport Enrollment Section where we paid the processing fees: P950 for regular and P1,200 for rush. We just got the regular since we weren't in a hurry anyway. After, we headed to the Encoding Section where all the data from our application form was entered in the computer system. They also make you double check all information and then when your're ok with it, your photo is finally taken.

Skyler wore a white collared shirt btw. But I think it can even be just a regular collar since it's not even noticeable in the final pic. It was also so funny because Skyler had a scratch near his eye so I had to apply concealer to make sure it didn't show in the pics. They were able to take his picture quickly but then the computer hanged so we had to do it again! Which is a shame coz I think his first photo was cuter hehe. ;p

such a good boy!

Anyway, you can choose to have your passport delivered to you for an extra fee of P120 per passport. But we just chose to pick it up when it was released since it was another excuse to go back to the mall. ;p

There were still a lot of people in line waiting and I don't really know the average time one normally spends if not on the priority lane. But I swear, having a baby is the way to go hehe! Ang bilis! 

Anyway, passport of a minor applicant shall be released to parents only or to an authorized representative. Our release time was from 1:00-3:00 pm, 15 working days later, and it was also a breeze getting it.

And finally, here's Skyler's passport pic! Open-mouth pa talaga e haha! Ang cute! As for me, I'm not happy with my pic as usual hehe. I really can't carry the no-smile look hehe. ;p

Anyway, DFA Alabang is located at the 4th floor of Metro Department Store, Alabang Town Center (near the toy section). They're open from 10AM to 7PM, Mondays to Saturdays. Go to http://alabang.passport.com.ph to set an appointment and for other details.