The Department of Foreign Affairs announced today that it has entered into an agreement with AIR21 for a new passport renewal service that would make use of a 24-hour nationwide toll free number.

Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Estrella Berenguel said the DFA has entered into an agreement with AIR21 to give the public an alternative in renewing their passports through its pick-up and delivery service.

AIR21 is the domestic solutions provider of AF2100, the Philippine licensee of Federal Express. It vows to provide the public with a 24-hour, 7 days a week toll free number that can accept inquiries about passport matters.

"The public is encouraged to report incidence of passport fraud or illegal recruitment using fake or tampered passports through this hotline or they can also text and call the DFA directly, " Assistant Secretary Berenguel said.

"Smart subscribers especially the OFWs and their relatives can simply text us their concerns by typing the words TXTDFA or DFA and sending the message to 287. We have dedicated staff that will be at the receiving end to respond to these queries," she added. A similar service will soon be available for Globe subscribers.

"We are tapping the private sector in a bid to de-mystify the process of applying for a passport or having it renewed because we want to eliminate passport fraud especially by illegal recruiters and unscrupulous travel agencies," Assec Berenguel stressed.
Mr. Angelito Alvarez, President and COO of AIR21, said the company’s passport renewal service is designed to provide reliable and hassle-free passport renewal processing to Filipinos throughout the country.

He said those who would like to be spared the travel time of going to the DFA or any of its regional consular offices can simply call 1-800-10-AIR-2100. Metro Manila residents can call 459-2100. AIR21 is a total logistics solutions provider, offering services from airfreight, to trucking, crating, integrated warehouse management, sea freight services, and a dedicated call center. END.