Launching of machine-readable passport in NY goes smooth - DFA

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine government's launch of its machine-readable passport went smoothly in New York, the Department on Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

In a statement posted on its website Thursday, the DFA said the launch received positive sentiments when it was conducted Monday.

"Since May, the Philippine Consulate General New York and all the Posts in the US have been preparing the Filipino community for the transition from the scripted green passport to the new MRP. On the whole, the community's sentiments toward MRP, which offers increased security features at no additional cost, has been positive," it said.

Consul Millicent Paredes and the passport team spent the early morning hours addressing concerns and orienting those present to the simple step-by-step procedure and the new requirements.

By mid-morning, operations had resumed its normal flow.

The Philippine Consulate General New York is one of the top-ten Philippine Foreign Service Posts in terms of number of passports processed, averaging 60 applications a day.

The first batch of MRP applications was sent to the DFA in Manila through diplomatic pouch and is expected to be ready for release in six weeks time, as scheduled.

On the other hand, the DFA advised Filipino citizens in the US to keep their passports current and renew their documents at least two months before they need to use them.

"In view of the six-week transit time to and from Manila, the Philippine Consulate General New York will no longer be able to address requests for early release of passports for foreseeable circumstances, such as those who neglected to check the validity of their passports before purchasing their airline tickets," it said.

Still, it said the Philippine Consulate General New York appreciates the community's positive response to the MRP.

It said that for information on the step-by-step application process, people can visit the consulate's website at: http://pcgny.net/pcgny/2008/PR-31.pdf. - GMANews.TV

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