4 June 2004 – To help ease the travel of Filipinos overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs will soon issue security-enhanced passports preparatory to the issuance of machine-readable passports (MRP) that are compliant with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

In September, the DFA will begin issuing passports using the heat-sealed laminate in booklets starting with PP series. At present, the DFA issues machine readable ready passports (MRRP) which use cold process pressure-sensitive laminate that serve to protect the photograph, the passport holder’s personal details and other information in the passport data page. Heat-sealed laminated passport booklets will also carry the data page on the first page which brings Philippine Passports a further step closer to compliance with ICAO standards.

Last April, the DFA started to issue booklets that bear seven-digit laser perforated serial numbers and barcode. The changes effected are in line with the DFA’s continuing efforts to enhance the security of passports and other travel documents.

The heat-sealed laminate is very thin and sensitive which gives it extra protection against forgeries. It easily breaks if and when lifted from the data page. It also has better adhesion property which significantly increases the security it provides as cover to the data page.

The shift to the heat-sealed system is expected to improve the efficiency and uniformity of passport issuances as all booklets have to pass through a special passport booklet laminator.

Heat-sealed laminated passports will be issued in Manila, the 11 regional consular offices and 82 foreign service posts.

With the shift from cold pressure-sensitive system to heat-sealed system, the Philippines joins the world’s passport issuing community that are convinced that the technology provides better protection and security to passports, other travel documents and identification cards. - END