DFA makes passport processing easier

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has redesigned its passport appointment system to make it easier for applicants, an official said yesterday.

The appointment system now allows applicants to see, at first glance, which dates have available slots, according to Angelica Escalona, DFA Office of Consular Affairs executive director.

“If you will look at our appointment website, the dates in color red are those that are fully booked. Those that are green are those that have available slots,” Escalona said in a statement.

The appointment system now has a feedback mechanism to inform applicants if there is a problem with their application and what they need to do to solve the problem. An email is sent within 48 hours after an application is evaluated.

The system also prompts passport applicants who are seniors, persons with disability, pregnant, solo parents, children seven years old and below and overseas workers that they do not need an appointment – they can simply walk in, present their identification cards and papers and use the courtesy lane.

The DFA has also barred fixers from the agency’s premises and blocked them from its appointment system.

The DFA also deployed roving staff to answer questions by applicants at the agency’s compound along Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque.

Tents, electric fans and water stations have been set up for the comfort of applicants, Escalano said.