The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that more mobile processing centers will be set up to ease passport application process for Filipinos.
DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano admitted there are challenges in cutting the much-criticized long queues for passport application procedures, but he said the agency has been working “quietly” to resolve it by purchasing more data capture machines.
“At no cost to the government, we are getting more data capture machines including mobile for abroad and for the Philippines. We will have fire trucks with four to eight machines inside, which we can bring in the countryside,” the PNA quoted Cayetano as saying.
He added the acquisition of more data capture machines could allow DFA to operate mobile passport centers daily.
During his first flag ceremony as DFA secretary, Cayetano said he will put the dissolution of the passport appointment system on top of his priority “to speed up the process” in applying for passports.
“Our goal is that when you walk in, you will be able to apply for your passport, in a few days, you will get your passport. And later on, like in the US, you can apply for it in the post office,” Cayetano previously told local reporters.
Cayetano said he will also consider to use his own salary to procure additional machines to start the project immediately.
“If additional funds are not immediately available for casuals or contractuals for this, [use] my salary so that we can start right away,” he said
