I am moving to Dipolog, Mindanao permanently at Easter and have been in 2 minds about the 13a visa for months.

The idea of renewing every 59 days is an expensive option and doesn't appeal at all so, I had planned on going down the Balikbayan route which of course has the added bonus of a short break every year. Some guys I know tell me the 13a is the way to go long term and I'm sure they are right, However, the more I search the ins and outs of applying for a 13a, the more confused I get. People saying you need this, others saying you need that. So, I thought I would obtain the police clearance which will give me 6 months grace before it expires to make up my mind.

I have the added problem of my local BOI in Dipolog only being manned on a part time basis (Tuesday and Friday) nowadays and I don't know if they will be able to process a 13a. Failing that, we would have to go to Cebu.

My local BOI is my first stop to get from the "horses mouth"" exactly what I need and take it from there.

Bill