The Philippine Online Chronicles

Those who want e-passports no longer have to come to Metro Manila to apply for them, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday, as the new passports will be made available through 10 of the DFA’s Regional Consular Offices (RCOs) in provinces around the Philippines starting March 15.

The announcement was made within a few days of the opening of the DFA’s new Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) near the Mall of Asia in Pasay City earlier this week.

The e-passport contains a tamper-proof electronic microchip which stores the owner’s photograph and personal information, as well as an Automated Fingerprint Identification System to prevent identity theft and fraud. It also has advanced security features such as invisible personal information, letter-screen, microprinting, and UV-reactive ink.

"Filipinos who reside in the provinces need not come to Manila to get a passport. They only have to go to the DFA regional office nearest to them and avail of the same fast and efficient services," said Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo.

Romulo added that the use of e-passports is part of the DFA’s scheme to modernize its services.

"Now, we have a passport and a consular building that is efficient, progressive and serviceable, and will give every Filipino ease, comfort and pride. With everyone's support, the Filipino can be truly world-class," he said.

People can apply for an e-passport in the RCOs in San Fernando, Pampanga; San Fernando, La Union; Lucena, Quezon; and Tuguegarao, Cagayan for Luzon; Cebu City, Iloilo City, and Tacloban City in Leyte for those in the Visayas; and Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Zamboanga City in Mindanao.

“The remaining eight out of the 18 RCOs and all Philippine embassies and consulates-general will be issuing e-passports later this year,” the DFA said Saturday.

The DFA issues around 3,000 passports every day. More than 18,000 people have been given e-passports since the service was first made available in August 2009.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites