The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the Philippines has partnered with American tech company UltraPass ID to trial a new biometrics system aimed at enhancing passenger experience and overall airport operations. According to an ABS-CBN News report, the pilot program will initially be implemented at Iloilo International Airport next year, with the contract covering a trial period spanning several months.
Currently, many of the country’s international airports utilize facial recognition and fingerprint scanning for immigration clearance at e-gates. However, the DOTr highlighted that this new system has the potential to optimize other airport processes. Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista emphasized that integrating the biometrics system with the Philippine ID System could significantly reduce the time passengers spend at checkpoints.
“The biometric system provides not only convenient passenger processing, but also enhances security protocols. Embedded biometric data in passports will allow passengers to breeze through check-in, security, and boarding gates,” Bautista explained.
UltraPass ID, which has implemented its technology across various industries, is venturing into airport projects for the first time with this pilot in the Philippines. UltraPass CEO Eric Starr expressed confidence in the system’s data protection measures and its seamless integration with the national ID system. Starr noted, “Through the pilot, we will showcase how digital identity verification can reduce processing time, improve security, and create a touchless, efficient airport experience.”
The trial is part of a US Smart Cities Trade Mission led by Commerce Undersecretary Marisa Lago, which underscores the robust economic ties between the US and the Philippines. “The Philippines becomes the only country in the world that in 2024 will have two high-level trade missions. I think that is a testament to the strength and potential for even further growth of our relationship,” Lago stated, adding that the trade mission, which will also travel to Indonesia, features a diverse array of tech companies specializing in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and biometrics.
