The Philippine Embassy has processed 61,348 e-Passports as of Oct. 30 and is expected to process an additional 7,000 by the end of this year, according to Ambassador Ezzedin Tago.

In a statement, the Filipino envoy said that the embassy has experienced a significant rise in passport applications each year, with an average increase of 10-20 percent each year.

In 2010, the embassy processed and released 34,490 passports, while in 2013, 73,343 passports were processed including 6,222 that were replacements for lost passports.

The embassy has also implemented an online appointment system for passport applications that has been in operation since 2012 to make the process easier for people.

Moreover, the embassy has allowed walk-in applications to be made for newly born children, applications that are only for the replacement of lost passports, for senior and disabled applicants, and for applications for passport extensions.

The embassy said that the new appointment system has not in any way reduced the number of applications that are processed, and has in fact reduced the waiting time for applicants at the embassy during consular outreach missions.

The embassy added that there are now 300 appointment slots scheduled daily, however, approximately 30 percent do not show up for their appointments.