DFA passport section now open on some Saturdays

MANILA, Philippines - The Passport Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced it is now open on some Saturdays to provide services to applicants who are not available during weekdays.

The DFA Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) said they have decided to extend their operation to Saturday to give opportunity to applicants who are working or are in school to apply for their passport without having to miss work or class.

The extension of operations is expected to address the increasing number of passport applicants, which usually soars during the summer.

The OCA said the peak for passport applications began last month and will last until May.

Sources said around 10,000 passport applications a day have been filed since last month.

“To avail of the Saturday processing, applicants need to set an appointment through the Internet or through the regular appointment system,” a Consular Affairs official said.

A P750 uniform fee shall be charged for passports during the Saturday processing.

The Saturday operations started on Feb. 21.

OCA said they will also be open on March 21; April 4 and 18; May 2, 16 and 30; and June 6. – Pia Lee-Brago