MANILA -- In an effort to meet the huge demand for passports, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that its Office of Consular Affairs in Aseana shall be open to passport applicants from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday starting February 10.

The foreign affairs department said the same process applies to passport appointments, as applicants would be accommodated by appointment booked through the DFA’s online appointment system.

"Strictly no walk-in applicants shall be entertained," the DFA said in a public advisory.

For Saturday passport processing in the Aseana office, courtesy lane facilities and other services, such as the Authentication and Consular Records will not be available.

Meanwhile, non-passport services and courtesy lane facilities will still be offered at all mall-based DFA regional and satellite offices every Saturday.

The passport application fee of P1,200 for the weekend processing applies.

DFA said Aseana office's new Saturday operations "complement" the “Passport on Wheels” program that was launched on January 15.

The weekly Mobile Passport Service is also ongoing.

Following recent reforms in January, the foreign affairs department said it would soon open additional eight consular offices in key cities and provinces, and implement an e-payment system. (PNA)