Reopening US consulate in Cebu City in the ‘radar’

CEBU, Philippines — Reopening the United States Consulate in Cebu for visa services may not be happening soon in spite being on the “radar” due to funding and security requirements, said US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

“Not in the immediate plans, but it’s on the radar,” said Carlson during a roundtable discussion with a select members of Cebu media the other day.

“Funding and security …It’s a lot of money to open a consulate,” she added.

Asked if the reopening of consular office in Cebu would be a priority if they have the funding, she said: “Let me just say that if I personally had the budget and if it were up to me, we never would have left and we certainly would be right back.”

The US ambassador said she understands that it is very challenging and expensive for those living outside Metro Manila to process their visa. Carlson, however, assured that they are working strategically in the Indo-Pacific region under the administration of President Joe Biden.

To ease the burden from those from Cebu and other parts in the Visayas and Mindanao, Carlson said, they are now streamlining the process at the US Embassy in Manila to ensure that more visas will be processed.

“Productivity level is exceeding before the pandemic,” she said.

Carlson, however, explained that this only covers the priority visas such as those for work and school. Tourist visa will have to wait a little longer at the moment.

“I know that it is challenging because of the extra cost to get to Manila which is why we are streamlining as much as we can the processes,” said Carlson.

At present the US government maintains a consular agency in Cebu City to provide services to US citizens in the Visayas since 1995. These include passport and citizenship services to US citizens in the Visayas region and nearby provinces. This, however, is by appointment only.

The agency also provides emergency assistance to Americans in cases of deaths, arrest, missing person, and social welfare concerns. /FPL (FREEMAN)