News Release

UNDER A “NEW NORMAL,” PCG IN CALGARY RESUMES PASSPORT SERVICES

1 June 2020, Calgary – With the City of Calgary implementing today the last phase of the Province of Alberta’s Stage 1 economic relaunch, the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary resumed its passport services for the public.

Starting 1 June 2020, the PCG will process the passport applications of those who were able to secure appointments online.

Consul General Zaldy Patron explained that the PCG’s gradual reopening conformed with the regulations and advisories on physical distancing, limit to the number of people inside a workplace, and other health measures issued by local health authorities.

“While the PCG has reopened, it will prioritize passport applicants who are required to make personal appearance because their biometrics have to be taken. Meanwhile, we request all non-passport applicants to send their applications by mail,” Consul General Patron said.

Given the PCG’s small consular area, the two-meter physical distancing requirement, and the reduced daily staffing of the PCG, Consul General Patron said the number of passport applicants inside the PCG had to be managed through an appointment system.

“When Calgary moves to Stages 2 and 3 of the Alberta Relaunch Strategy, the PCG will be able to accommodate more applicants. I, therefore, encourage our Filipino community to continue to adhere to the advisories of local health authorities so we can all help contain the spread of COVID-19,” the Consul General added.

As additional measures, the PCG requires passport applicants to wear face masks inside the PCG premises. The applicants’ temperatures are also taken prior to entering the PCG.