Biometric processing to enhance aviation security 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and United States (US) firm UltraPass signed an agreement to enhance safety and operations at airports via an efficient digital identity verification. 

Under the agreement, the DOTr will pilot UltraPass’ UAuth protocols to authenticate identities, which adds a layer of protection at the county’s airports. 

The UAuth solution will be piloted at the Iloilo Airport by first quarter of 2025 at no cost to the government. The verification system will then be piloted at Tacloban, Laoag, and Bicol International Airports. 

According to Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, the UAuth solution is a technical upgrade as the agency pushes for massive digitalization in the transport sector. 

“The biometric system provides not only convenient passenger processing but also enhances security protocols,” Sec. Bautista explained. 

“This technical upgrade will hopefully usher in more innovations that we can implement at airports nationwide,” he added. 

The UAuth system, which will be integrated with the Department of Information and Communications and Technology’s (DICT) identification system e-Verify will harmonize biometric technology with airline and government digital systems. 

Once implemented, the system will allow passengers to breeze past airport check-ins, security and boarding gates. 

The UAuth’s system will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will be for Filipino passengers using their national IDs, while the second phase will involve foreign nationals’ e-passports traveling domestic.