BI union head cites Libanan’s reforms

The workers’ union in the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reaffirmed today its full and unwavering support to the reforms programs currently being implemented in the bureau and which that are causing dramatic changes to the country’s immigration service.

“These reforms are ushering in dramatic changes that are unprecedented in our bureau’s history.  They deserve the support of our rank and file,” said Leticia Fatalla, president of the Buklod ng mga Kawani sa BI (Buklod) when asked for her thoughts on the celebration of the bureau’s 69th founding anniversary.According to Fatalla, BI Commissioner Nonoy Libanan should be credited for transforming the bureau into a service-oriented and world-class agency that is worthy of emulation by other agencies of government.

“Before, we were always haunted by the shame of being tagged as one of the most corrupt government agencies.  Now all that has changed,” Fatalla declared.

The union president cited the many reforms and changes that Libanan instituted at the bureau since he assumed office in May 2007.

She described Libanan’s reforms as “far-reaching, impressive worthy of the pride and support of every immigration employee.”

Foremost of these reforms, she said, are the visa-issuance-made-simple (VIMS) scheme, which simplified the requirements and reduced the processing time for visa applications; the establishment of various BI satellite offices and regional immigration areas; and the launching of the special visa for employment generation (SVEG) or job visa.

Fatalla also praised Libanan for undertaking a major renovation of the 40-year-old BI main building in Intramuros, project that lasted more than a year and which was completed in time for this year’s anniversary celebration.

“The BI rank and file are, of course, appreciative of the fact that we our main office underwent a facelift not only in terms of delivering fast and efficient services but also in its physical appearance.  That speaks a lot about how far the BI has changed in the past two years,” Fatalla added.

Earlier, an association of representatives of travel agents, law offices and other stakeholders also threw their support to the reforms implemented by Libanan. (BI News)