A New Facial Recognition Software Is Coming to NAIA—Here's What We Know

New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) Chair Ramon Ang and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon announced the upcoming development to members of the media during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent inspection at NAIA Terminal 3. According to Ang and Dizon, this move aims to significantly enhance the travel experience by reducing time spent at the immigration queue, especially for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). 

While Marcos Jr. welcomed the development, the public (unsurprisingly) had mixed reactions. But before you say 'yay' or 'nay' to this project, maybe you just need to know more about the upcoming facial recognition revamp at NAIA. 

"We’re trying to make life easier for [passengers], na [maging mas] mabilis [na] nga [ang proseso]. Hindi [na] sila hinahanapan ng kung anu-anong ID," President Marcos said. "Mukha na lang nila, ayun na [ang] ID." 

The new biometrics and facial recognition system is expected to make the immigration process faster and more convenient for returning OFWs and frequent travelers alike, according to the President, as it would minimize the need to carry multiple travel documents. 

If we're reading Ang's and Dizon's words right, once the new systems are rolled out, travelers no longer need to present their passports, ID cards, or other documentation at Philippine immigration—just like in countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong and others that implement facial recognition for immigration; all passengers need is to show their face.

While all this is fine and dandy, we can't help but ask: Who's footing the bill for this brand-new project? In a chance interview with ABS-CBN, Ang assured the public that it won't be the passengers or the Philippine government financing this. Reports suggest the new tech is part of a larger initiative for the modernization of NAIA under a Public-Private Partnership model, i.e., this has been in the plans all along.

When pressed for more details on the topic, Ang and Dizon said the project is still 
"being fine-tuned," but the priority is to deliver the new systems in both NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Both men assure the public that they are committed to delivering at all cost, with Ang promising the NNIC "will provide everything" even if it means installing 30 or 50 kiosks, depending on the recommendation of the DOTr.