ADVISORY: Passport application schedule extended to August 15 due to rains, floods

MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) on Wednesday extended its schedule for passport applicants who were unable to file their applications today due to the heavy rains brought by southwest monsoon (habagat).

"In view of the continuing inclement weather brought about by heavy rains, the DFA-OCA is suspending its passport and other consular operations today, August 8, from 3 p.m. onwards," it said.

"Passport applicants, scheduled on August 7 (Tuesday) and today, August 8 (Wednesday), who were unable to file their applications, may come to the DFA-OCA at anytime and have their passports processed this entire week until Wednesday next week, August 15," it added.

The DFA-OCA advised passport applicants to bring their appointment slips with them.

source: interaksyon.com

DFA reschedules passport processing due to bad weather

The Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs announced on Tuesday a new schedule for passport applicants who were unable to file their applications due to bad weather.

“In view of the continuing inclement weather brought about by heavy rains, passport applicants scheduled today, August 7, may come to the DFA-OCA and have their passports processed this entire week until Friday, August 10,” it said.

Passport applicants are advised to bring their appointment slips with them, the DFA said.

Earlier in the day, massive flooding due to heavy rain forced the US Embassy to suspend its operations.

The embassy, located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, was submerged in thigh-deep floodwaters, reports said.

“U.S. Embassy will be closed August 7, 2012 due to flooding in many areas of Manila,” a statement on its website said.

On his Twitter account, US Ambasador to the Philippines Harry Thomas said: "The embassy is closed today due to excessive flooding in the streets and concern for the safety of our employees and consular applicants."

Last week, the embassy was also closed down after huge waves, compounded by high tide, swept past the seawall and a cement embankment along the scenic Roxas Boulevard at the height of the monsoon surge. — Michaela del Callar/RSJ, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com