Earlier today, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas / Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Secretariat met with the Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of American Affairs (DFA-OAA) to address issues concerning the ongoing No Objection Statement (NOS) application of EVP Research Scholar Dr. Arayan.
During the discussion, Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano of the DFA-OAA raised concerns regarding the continuous email trail initiated by Dr. Arayan, who has been sending emails and complaints to multiple offices, including 8888, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), and the Contact Center ng Bayan, in an effort to expedite the processing of her NOS waiver.
The meeting concluded with the decision to draft a more comprehensive letter to Dr. Arayan outlining all relevant information regarding the NOS processes in order to prevent further miscommunication. It was also agreed to draft an undertaking requiring Dr. Arayan to implement her approved project proposal within the prescribed period as a condition for the issuance of her NOS waiver. Additionally, Asec. Solano suggested a review of the existing guidelines on Alternative Arrangements, as well as a clarification of the role of the DFA as Chair of the EVP Committee.
Dr. Arayan applied for an NOS in March 2024 and received an Offer of Alternative Arrangement (AA) in June 2024. Her initial project proposal submission consisted of a research journal, which did not meet the standards for a project proposal as stipulated under the 2016 NOS Guidelines on Alternative Arrangements. She was only able to comply with the required standards in December 2025. Throughout this period, Dr. Arayan sent numerous emails and letters to various government agencies in the Philippines, as well as to international organizations such as the United Nations and ASEAN.
