DFA launches 'passport on wheels' in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs had deployed four "passport on wheels" vehicles around Metro Manila to decongest its consular offices.

DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Cynthia Villar led the launching of the program, which aims to bring passport services closer to the public.

"I know this is a great convenience to the residents in our barangays. I hope they will take this opportunity to process their passport applications," Villar said.

Each vehicle can process up to 500 applications daily, creating a total of 2,000 additional daily slots upon its launch. The program caters to those who do not have access to a consular office.

Initially deployed around the National Capital Region, the mobile passport application service will also be available in the provinces in the future.

"We also look forward in the next months that this will not only be extended in the National Capital Region but also in the provinces," Villar said.

"In the next few days we will be launching more innovations, more programs to serve you better," Cayetano said.

The DFA is coordinating with local government units to improve its passport application service. Data from the agency showed that over 50,528 passports have been issued in the past year with its mobile passport services to over 45 LGUs.

The agency is also eyeing to open additional consular offices outside Metro Manila to address the increasing demand for passports.

The additional consular offices will be opened in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte; Santiago, Isabela; Malolos or Meycauayan, Bulacan; Calamba or San Pablo City, Laguna; Dasmariñas City, Cavite; Antipolo, Rizal; Oroquieta City or Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental and Tagum, Davao del Norte.

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— Patricia Lourdes Viray