THE Department of Foreign Affairs-Davao Regional Consular Office (RCO) will fully implement starting August 15 the online ePassport appointment system.

Ebrahim Zailon, DFA-Davao officer in charge, said in a press statement that under the system, applicants are required to log on to the official website of DFA (www.passport.com.ph) and make an appointment before submitting the application documents to the office.

“This is line with the efforts of the government to provide effective and efficient services to the public,” he said.

The new system will allow clients to plan visits in advance and ensures shorter waiting time and faster transaction for passport renewal in a bid to provide smooth flow of application.

The new online appointment system, Zailon said, is free of charge, but corresponding passport processing fees will still apply.

DFA-Davao RCO also reminded applicants they will still accommodate senior citizens, persons with disability, minor children seven years old and below as walk in applicants.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte mentioned in his first State of the Nation Address (Sona) last July 25 that his administration will work to amend the 20-year-old Passport Law to lengthen validity of passports from five years to 10 years.

The President said that he do not want to see people (passport applicants) queuing.

For years, DFA regional offices are filled with long lines of individuals applying or renewing passports every day. (ASP)