DFA: Authentication certificates can be verified online starting March 9

Starting March 9, authentication certificates issued in the Philippines can be verified online through the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) website.

This is one of the benefits of the DFA's expected improvement of authentication services, following the rollout of new information technology equipment this week.

"Currently, one out of ten Filipinos are overseas as migrant workers and immigrants. At some point, they will need their documents to be used abroad to be legalized through our Department,” DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Rafael Seguis said in a statement.

Seguis also said this will allow further decentralization of authentication services in the regions.

“Consular service is not limited to the issuance of passports and visas but also includes authentication service. With the rollout of the two Authentication IT systems ... authentication service, more commonly known as 'red ribbon,' takes a big leap forward from the medieval age and joins the information age," he said.

The DFA acquired 21 computers, 11 scanners, two servers and one storage device for operating the two systems.

Such equipment will help in the printing of highly secure and tamper-deterrent authentication certificates, the DFA said.

Document management system

The DFA said the Document Management System co-developed by the DFA and APO Production Unit seeks to streamline repetitive backend operations processes to cut down turn-around time and optimize manpower resources.

It said the system will also be the platform for the standardization of authentication services in Philippine Embassies and Consulates General abroad.

e-Registry system

Meanwhile, the DFA said the e-Registry System will make available a database of specimen signatures which can be accessed by DFA satellite and regional consular offices as well as Philippine foreign service posts abroad.

The e-Registry System also makes online verification of authentication certificates issuance by interested parties possible.

“This will also make possible further decentralization of authentication services to our regional consular offices, which is in line with our mantra to make consular services more convenient, closer and accessible to the public,” Seguis said.

He added this is beneficial in light of the growing number of overseas Filipinos.

Meanwhile, the DFA said the e-Registry system will also allow the Philippines to join and implement the Apostille Convention, which streamlines into a single formality the legalization procedure of public documents to be used abroad. —Joel Locsin/KBK, GMA News

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