PASSPORT ALERT: DFA Begins Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (TOPS)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) teamed up with selected malls to provide Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (TOPS) for all Filipinos.
Last week, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. led the opening in one of the five TOPS at SM Mall of Asia. He cited that the initiative will help to accommodate additional 2,500 passport appointment slots per day.
“As the clamor for more slots heightened, we listened and acted, and today we offered a solution… If this is not enough, tell us and we will listen and act as only the DFA can,” Locsin said.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. during his remarks at SM Mall of Asia TOPS/IMAGE from DFA
Other DFA TOPS offices are located in SM City North Edsa, Robinsons Place Magnolia, and SM Aura. In addition, an off-site courtesy lane was also launched at Ayala Malls Glorietta. He added that the five TOPS offices would open an additional 177,500 passport appointment slots during its run from July 7 until the end of September.
Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (TOPS) at SM Mall of Asia/IMAGE from DFA
Meanwhile, the DFA is planning to expand TOPS offices outside Metro Manila in the coming weeks to help regions with high demands of passport appointments.
Applicants who wish to renew their passport at the TOPS may book their appointments at the official Passport Online Appointment System at passport.gov.ph.
Also read: Passport Application 101: Requirements to Get a Philippine Passport
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs
Written by Cedie Salido
