Hundreds of Japan OFWs renew licenses online

Hundreds of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Japan took advantage of the online driver’s license renewal service offered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) during the national government’s Serbisyo Caravan in Osaka.

The initiative, held Sunday, 20 July, supports President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to transition all Department of Transportation (DOTr) services to digital platforms under the leadership of Secretary Vince Dizon.

Acting Assistant Secretary and LTO Chief Atty. Greg G. Pua Jr., who led the activity in Osaka, thanked the OFWs for embracing the government's effort to make essential services more accessible abroad.

“Tagumpay ang isinagawa nating online driver’s license renewal at talagang nakakataba ng puso na hindi lang makita ang mga kababayan na sinusuportahan ang programang ito kundi yung taus-puso nilang pasasalamat na mabilis at komportable na ang driver’s license renewal nila,” Pua said.

“Makakaasa po ang ating mga kababayang OFW na hindi po titigil ang inyong LTO na maging mabilis ang transaksyon ng gobyerno dahil ito naman talaga ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagbabago sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.

The LTO first rolled out its digital license renewal services in Taiwan last year, which also drew a high turnout from OFWs.

One OFW in Osaka expressed appreciation for the digital rollout, saying, “The LTO here is very helpful, the process is very quick, and the LTO staff here are super friendly. They will assist you 100% all the way, nice one LTO!”

The service also allows applicants to use accredited courier services, with license cards delivered to their addresses in Japan within three to five days.

The LTO plans to expand its digital services soon to other regions with large OFW populations, including the Middle East, United States, and Europe.