TECHNOLOGY | March
8, 2018
 |
| (Image Source: Esquire Philippines) |
It is without question that one of the many enduring challenges in
every Filipino's daily life is getting a passport, but more are starting to
realize that renewing a passport may be a bigger and harder challenge than
usual. And I can't blame anyone who is difficult to renew one with a longer validity
period.
The usual thing they do when it comes to renewing a passport is to schedule an appointment only to be hindered by lack of appointment slots for such service being offered in a DFA consular office near their area. What makes the service more challenging is the fact that travel agencies these days are not being given the right to offer such as ordered by the government. However, this would soon be a remnant of the past.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is planning to launch an online
passport renewal system where anyone can renew their passports whether
on-the-go or within the comforts of their own home. All they need to do is to take their own selfie and submit it online along with the copy of the old passport and the renewed one will be delivered to their homes in a few days or so. The system would surely benefit
anyone who feels frustrated on long lines of people applying for and renewing a
passport. It is set to be launched next year, but it will initially be applied
to passports issued on August 2006 or later.
Doing the regular everyday things we do online are certainly starting
to become a trend and are set to break new barriers in today's modern world. I just
hope that the online passport renewal system won't have any troubles that could
frustrate passport holders once it is implemented. For now, I am giving DFA Secretary
Alan Peter Cayetano for this well-played plan.
