The processing time for passports in the National Capital Region will be cut from 12 to 10 working days for standard applications and from seven to five working days for accelerated applications beginning July 24.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted the shortened passport processing period as part of the DFA's commitment to deliver faster and more responsive service to the people.
Passport applicants at other consular offices should expect to obtain their passports in 12 working days, down from 15 days previously, and in seven working days, down from eight days previously.
Efforts are also being made to modernize and streamline the DFA's consular processes, with the goal of launching an e-Visa system this year to encourage tourism and business.
The agency is also implementing e-Apostille to facilitate the recognition of Philippine documents abroad, as well as improving e-Passport issuance through the Third-Generation e-Passport system.
Manalo noted that the DFA has improved day-to-day consular operations, such as maintaining a "No Noon Break policy" and ensuring that appointment slots have returned to pre-pandemic levels in order to meet current demand, digitizing and standardizing forms, introducing metrics for assessing operations, opening offices in Kidapawan and Pagadian City, and incentivizing innovation among Consular Offices.
Best practices have been shared and implemented across consular offices across the country, including improvements to queuing systems, a shared resource to better monitor and address complaints and grievances, and the deployment of a workforce during holidays and work suspensions to ensure uninterrupted public service.
As he presented the efforts during the 125th DFA founding anniversary event at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, Manalo said they underscore the DFA's commitment to a government that provides the highest standards of service to the Filipino people.
