MANILA 25 June 2026 – In conjunction with the celebration of the International Day of the Seafarers, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) formally launched the integration of MARINA’s Electronic Certification, Authentication, and Verification (MeCAV) Portal into the DFA’s eApostille System during a ceremony held today at the Rizal Park Hotel in Manila.

DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega and MARINA Executive Director Sonia B. Malaluan signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) integrating the DFA eApostille System and the MARINA MeCAV System.

The launch marks another milestone in the DFA’s continuing digital transformation efforts, making authentication services more efficient, secure, and accessible to Filipino seafarers and maritime professionals.

The eApostille System is a secure, tamper-proof, and internationally-recognized platform that allows authenticated documents to be shared electronically and verified online. Recognized in more than 120 member countries of the Apostille Convention, the system significantly streamlines the authentication process for documents intended for use abroad.

Through the integration, MARINA-issued MeCAV documents can now be electronically transmitted to the DFA for Apostille processing without the need for physical submission of documents. The resulting e-Apostilled MeCAV is issued entirely in digital format and delivered directly to the applicant’s registered email address.

Applicants and end-users may also verify the authenticity of the e-Apostilled MeCAV through the DFA e-Registry. As a fully digital document, the e-Apostilled MeCAV carries full legal weight and eliminates the need for printed copies, reducing processing time and enhancing convenience for users.

By eliminating physical transactions and leveraging secure digital technologies, the eApostille System for MeCAV provides Filipino seafarers with faster access to internationally accepted documents, enabling them to pursue employment and professional opportunities abroad with greater ease and confidence.

The eApostille service may be accessed through the DFA e-Apostille Portal at apostille.gov.ph. Further information, including the application process for the eApostille of MeCAV, may be accessed at https://mecav.marina.gov.ph/login. 

Over 500 participants attended the launch, including representatives from maritime organizations, government agencies, and media organizations. END