To make the application process for Philippine passport easier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently launches a system that would allow passport applicants to monitor the status of their applications online. The new service is possible through ther Department of Foreign Affairs Officer of Consular Affairs' Passport Tracking Service (PTS).

According to the government agency, the PTS is a program created by the consular affairs' office to make the passport application process easier. Through PTS, the applicants can check the release date of their passports online.

This new service by the DFA is available on its official website at www.dfa.gov.ph. There is a PTS icon that one can click to check the status of their passport applications.

The PTS site will require users to provide the following information:

• Full name (First, Middle, Last)
• Date of birth
• Cellular phone number and e-mail address
• Date of filing
• Date of release
• Amount paid
• For pick-up or courier service (name of courier)

Once a user provides all the required information, they will receive the response to their inquiries through a message that will be sent via the SMS (short messaging system) within two working days after receipt of the online request. The message can also be sent via electronic mail (email).