IN BRIEF

BI eases rules on foreign minors coming to PH alone; may pay travel fees online

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has announced that foreign minors traveling to the Philippines without their parents may now pay their fees online.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the application and payment for waiver of exclusion ground (WEG) for foreign minors could be accessed through the BI’s online payment portal.

“This project is part of our continuing efforts to institutionalize paperless transactions in the bureau, reduce red tape, and deliver more efficient and faster services to the public,” Tansingco said.

Under the Philippine Immigration Act, “children below 15 years of age who are unaccompanied by a parent or not coming to a parent in the Philippines, could not be allowed to enter the Philippines. However, the minors may only be allowed entry, even if unaccompanied, if they have been issued a WEG by the BI and have paid a fee of P3,120 to the government.

According to a BI operations circular signed by Tansingco last May 25, applicants should file their WEG application within 72 hours from the minor’s scheduled arrival by logging into the BI’s online portal at eservices.immigration.gov.ph.

They should fill out the WEG application e-form and upload clear digital or scanned copies of the documentary requirements, such as affidavit of support and guarantee, the parent’s and minor’s passport information, travel consent, return ticket, and valid entry visa, if applicable. Vito Barcelo

QC joins crusade vs. plastic pollution with innovative store-based refill hubs

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday announced that the city would lead the fight against plastic pollution through variety (sari-sari) store based-refill hubs to help solve the country’s environmental problems.

Amid the celebration of World Refill Day, the city government partnered with Greenpeace Philippines and Impact Hub Manila to launch “Kuha sa Tingi” project, an initiative establishing community-based refill scheme through the local sari-sari stores.

Belmonte, Greenpeace›s zero waste campaigner Marian Ledesma, and Impact Hub founder and chief executive officer Ces Rondario signed a memorandum of understanding for the initial roll-out of the project in selected “Tindahan ni Ate Joy” stores.

“Being sustainable and eco-friendly doesn›t have to be expensive. Our partnership with Greenpeace and Impact Hub only proves that shifting to zero waste and limiting our plastic generation is inclusive, affordable, and accessible to all, including those from all socio-economic sectors and urban areas,” she noted. Rio N. Araja