Philippine Consulate-On-Wheels: The Bayanihan Experience
Having arrived five minutes early, I took a stroll through the lobby of the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center and glanced over the crowd of Filipino faces silent with smiles of anticipation for their names to be called. Eager to rush forward and finally unload the emotional burden and anxiety of the passport renewal process, their eyes were focused towards Bayanihan Director Rudy Bautista and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (PACC) volunteers, gathered around the check-in desk, for some sense of guidance or direction. Filipino-time need not apply to them, for they were required to book their appointments several months in advance. Silently moving past them, between the Library and Ann Bartlett’s Office, various Filipino dialects bounced in echo off of neutral-painted walls and crisp floor tiles as the Garden Veranda awaited me just beyond the glass door at the end of the hallway.
As the crisp cool morning gave way to the warmth of the rising sun, I sat amongst the black iron tables along Plaza Barrido facing the parking lot, while observing passport renewal candidates walking hastily from their cars to the Bayanihan. A young Filipino boy, about the age of 5, was playing with his green toy monster truck atop a table when his Lolo, a distinguished and proud looking man dressed in traditional Barong Tagalog, called for him to return. A man, whom I presumed was the boy’s father, quickly ran up to join them carrying a small blue jacket and an armful of government documents. Wrestling the jacket onto his son and over his tightly clenched toy, he ushered them all towards the entrance, where his wife waited anxiously at the door.
Looking down at my watch, the time read 9:05. I stood from my seat, grabbed one more breath of fresh air and walked back into the Bayanihan. Inside, I found a seat next to PACC President Renato Boac at a neatly arranged check-in desk with stacks of passport application forms, voting forms, two appointment lists and a cash box. Suddenly a wave of people came forward with questions regarding forms, priority mail envelopes, walk-in availabilities, and appointment times. Handing each issue without a hitch, we received the go-ahead from the Consul to begin accepting applicants. Philippine Nationals came from all across Florida, including Miami, Orlando, Kissimmee, Jacksonville and Tampa, for this opportunity to renew their passports locally and forego the hassle and expense of traveling to Washington, D.C. With each passing candidate, I could see the gratitude and relief in their faces as they hurried passed me towards the Consulate stations.
Over the course of two days, the 26th and 27th of November, volunteers from the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc., The Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay and members of the Philippine Consulate were able to process and approve 180 passport renewal candidates, which included 20 unscheduled walk-ins, before having to close their doors at 6:00 pm on Sunday. Consider their efforts a testament to Filipino efficiency, and willingness to serve and assist their fellow Kababayans through this passport renewal process, which could have been fraught with various pressures, anxieties, emotions and uncertainties. With over five years of experience in the Philippine Consulate-On-Wheels program, local Tampa Bay volunteers have been able to accommodate and serve their fellow Filipinos with compassion, patience, a positive attitude and a welcoming smile.
For those of you interested in ePassport renewal, application for a new ePassport, and applications for Report of Birth and Report of Marriage at the next Consulate-On-Wheels program in Tampa Bay, visit the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. website for information and appointments. Please, make sure to schedule with the Philippine Consulate months in advance in order to maintain a quick and efficient passport renewal process, and to assure a pleasant and enjoyable experience for everyone. The Philippine Consulate is located at 1617 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036 and can be reached at (202) 467-9300.