MikeLigalig.com

By Cynthia Balana
INQUIRER.net

Starting Monday, applicants for Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) can make an appointment with the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Internet.

DFA spokesperson Claro Cristobal said the DFA launched the Passport Appointment System By Internet to address the influx of applicants who wish to travel abroad.

Initially, the system will be limited to applicants whose passports had already expired or would be expiring within one year, and to senior citizens or those aged 60 and above.

Cristobal said the system would later be expanded to cover all passport applicants.

Qualified applicants may avail of the appointment system by sending their request via Internet to appointment@dfa.gov.ph.

Applicants must provide the following information: Full name (first name, middle name and surname); date of birth; place of birth; and latest passport number and date of issuance.

The DFA will designate a call center (556-0000) dedicated to entertain the increasing number of passport applicants, Cristobal said.

The DFA Consular Office has also strengthened the mobile passport services in coordination with the local governments.

“This means that passport applicants can apply in their respective localities where the mobile services will be set up. Usually, the mobile services are set up in major populated centers like malls," Cristobal said.