BIOMETRIC SYSTEM. UltraPass Chief Executive Officer Eric Starr (left) and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista sign an agreement Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Makati City for the pilot testing of a biometric passenger processing system at select airports nationwide. The signing took place in the presence of the Undersecretary for International Trade, Marisa Lago. (Photo by Léa Gonzales)

MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DoTr) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UltraPass ID Corporation for the pilot testing of a biometric passenger processing system at select airports nationwide.

The memorandum of understanding was signed Wednesday by DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista and UltraPass General Manager Eric Starr at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.

The signing is part of a U.S. trade mission on smart cities led by Undersecretary for International Trade Marisa Lago.

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Bautista said the signing of the MoU is an important milestone in the Philippine government’s efforts towards digitalization of the aviation sector.

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“The biometric system not only enables convenient passenger processing, but also improves security protocols. Biometric data embedded in passports will enable passengers to easily pass through check-in, security and boarding gates,” he said.

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“Through this integration of advanced biometric technology with existing government and airline digital systems, we are significantly improving the passenger experience at airports.”

Bautista said the system would be pilot tested at the Iloilo International Airport in the first quarter of 2025.

The system will also be tested at other airports such as Tacloban, Laoag and Bicol International Airport in the second quarter of the year.

Bautista said the system will be implemented in two phases: Phase 1 will be for Filipino passengers using a national ID card, while Phase 2 will be for foreign passengers using e-passports during their domestic travel.

Starr, meanwhile, said UltraPass technology integrates seamlessly with the Philippines’ national ID system.

“And through the pilot, we will show how digital identity verification can reduce processing time, improve security and create an efficient, contactless airport experience,” he said.

UltraPass is part of the delegation of 12 leading U.S. companies currently in the Philippines for the trade mission.

Lago said these companies represent a wide range of sectors such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, biometrics, engineering and construction, as well as the rail sector. Some of these companies are already present in the Philippines and looking to expand.

“Across the Philippine economy, U.S. companies have contributed to the growth of key sectors, such as the digital economy, semiconductors and tourism,” she said.

“These companies represent the benchmark for foreign investment, adhering to high labor and environmental standards, world-class training and strong corporate social responsibility programs. And U.S. business leaders are optimistic about more business and investment opportunities in the Philippines. (ANP)