IMMIGRATION E-GATES TO BE DEPLOYED AT NAIA DEPARTURE, ARRIVAL AREAS

ELECTRONIC gates will soon be deployed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to speed up and streamline immigration processing of passengers.

Transportation Secretary Dizon  on Friday said the installation of e-gates is part of the government’s effort to ensure smooth travel experience, stressing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instruction to prioritize the convenience and safety of passengers.

Dizon said that the e-gates are expected to be ready before Christmas Season in time for the holidays, adding that both arrival and departure areas will be installed with e-gates.

“Hopefully by Christmas, sana by then na-replace na natin itont mga e-gates natin. The goal is before Christmas napalitan na natin yung e-gates dito sa NAIA,” he said.

“Ang magandang balita natin sa mga kababayan natin pagka nagawa na itong e-gates both arrival and depature na. Kahit palabas ka ng Pilipinas, e-gate na rin. Hindi na kailangan magmanual o face-to-face,” he added.

Dizon expressed his gratitude to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado for helping replace the old e-gates, which he said need to be equipped with new technology for seamless passenger transaction.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo kay Justice Secretary Boying Remulla at Comissioner Viado kasi matagal nang pinupush natin itong pagreplace ng ating mga electronic gates for immigration,” he said.

The e-gates will prioritize Filipinos, especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), with foreign tourists seen to benefit from the automated passport control system as well, according to the transport chief.

“Ang priority natin Filipinos muna kagaya sa ibang bansa. Kailangan unahin natin mga kababayan natin, especially mga OFW. Napaka-gandang balita rin ito para sa ating mga turista,” Dizon noted.

“Malaking bagay ito sa travel experience ng mga kababayan natin. Malaking ginhawa ito lalo na pag peak travel,” he added.