CANBERRA, Australia (22 November 2023) – The Embassy of the Philippines in Canberra deployed its second mobile consular mission in Perth, Western Australia for this year from 14 to 17 November 2023.

During the mission, the EFTPOS or a new electronic and cashless payment system was used for the first time. This system allows applicants the convenience of using their debit and/or credit card, mobile phones and smart watches to pay for the services they avail. In Australia, tapping a physical card is still the most widely used payment method.

The mobile consular team in Perth processed 252 passport applications, and administered the oath of allegiance of 48 applicants who reacquired their Filipino citizenship. A total of 104 Filipinos, including those recently reacquired their citizenship, registered as an Overseas Voter. The team also processed four reports of birth.

The Embassy team was composed of Consul General Aian Caringal, Ms. Norain Sampao, Mr. Jessie Lucas, Ms. Catherine Perez and Ms. Loreen Bastan. Defense and Armed Forces Attachè Col Alexander Gigantone and TSg Darius Oliva as well as Migrant Workers Office-Canberra assistant Ms. Juliene Cavida provided support to the conduct of the mission.

The Embassy worked with the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Perth led by Consul Virma Symons to ensure an organized and productive consular mission. - END