The new e-system, which will be launched by the Ministry of Haj soon, would facilitate electronic transactions pertaining to Haj operations and arrangements, Mehol K. Sadain, head of Philippine Haj mission and chief executive officer of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), said.

Sadain said: “The new system would be a milestone that will redefine the entire process of Haj arrangements for countries across the world.”

Stating that he had discussed the electronic system with Saudi authorities, he said he had been told to wait for some time for the launching of the proposed electronic system.

“Saudi authorities told us that the electronic system has shown remarkable results, and better results could be expected during the Haj season when it would be launched,” he said.

Sadain asserted that with the proposed e-system, things related to Haj arrangements could be expedited. Like other countries, Philippines too would be able to handle dealings related to Haj arrangements smoothly, he said.

“The new system is a unique tool which will help foreign Haj operators negotiate for housing accommodation and transport arrangements. Pilgrims will be able to choose packages or look for better ones through cyberspace,” he said.

He said: “Saudi authorities informed us that the 20 percent reduction in foreign pilgrims’ quota will continue this year too. Consequently, Philippines will send 8,000 pilgrims this year too, the same as last year.”

He said he discussed the arrangements for Haj pilgrims from Philippine with the undersecretary of Haj Ministry.

He said, “Philippines requested an increase in the Haj quota but Saudi authorities said the chances were bleak due to the expansion work going on in the Grand Mosque in Makkah.”

Sadain said that most of the Filipino Haj pilgrims were from the southern Philippines.

“The cost of the pilgrimage is expected to remain between 150,000 to 180,000 Philippine pesos (US$3,316 - US$3,980) and we are working toward reducing this,” he said.