There was a need for me to obtain an affidavit and power of attorney document from the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles for my upcoming 3-week trip to the Philippines. So on February 28, 2008, I went, filled out and paid the fees, and was told to come pick it up on March 3, 2008, a Monday.
Due to higher [preparation] priorities, however, I went on March 5, 2008 around 11:30 AM. The embassy was on the 5th floor and when I arrived, I was surprised to see the room quite empty. And only window #3 (with a young lady) was open to help people with their needs.
Since I was only there to pick up the documents, I went to window #4 (the Releasing window) but found the window blinds shut. So I asked the man in window #5 (the Cashier window) if he could help me. He said: “Please take a number.” At this point, I already found it frustrating.
I took a number – it was 87 – and at this time more people started to come in. The impatience and angry faces grew, including mine. I still thought it wouldn’t take long for the young lady in window #3 to call me, since she was already serving number 78. But no! It took almost 2 hours to get it! How inefficient is that?! And what frustrates me even more is that none of the employees there cared! Also, did I mention that I had to go down twice to prevent my parking meter from expiring?
Here’s what I think they (or someone) should’ve done:
I wasn’t the only one there “just to pick up” an already processed document. What the lady in window #3 or the man in window #5 should’ve done was to ask people who just needed to pick up a document then service them. This would’ve lessen the count of people needing help. Also, an office manager of some sort should be hired (or fired) to supervise and look for ways to make the staff and process run more efficiently. I didn’t see one.
This is wishful thinking, of course, since this is how governments run/work nowadays. No wonder why the Philippines (and other countries) is not going anywhere – they can’t even get a simple process to work/run efficiently.
Anyway, I don’t think anyone in the Philippine Consulate or government cares. Whatever…just take this as my way of venting my frustration. Take care. =0)