Travelers passing through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) can look forward to significantly faster and more streamlined immigration procedures before the upcoming Christmas season.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced today the imminent deployment of electronic gates (e-gates) in both the arrival and departure areas of the airport.
This initiative is a direct response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the convenience and safety of passengers and forms part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance the overall travel experience in the Philippines.
Secretary Dizon expressed optimism that the installation of the new e-gates would be completed before the holiday rush. “Hopefully, by Christmas, we will have already replaced our current e-gates. Our goal is to have the new e-gates operational here at NAIA before Christmas,” Secretary Dizon stated.
The Transportation Secretary highlighted the benefits for all travelers, noting that both departing and arriving passengers will be able to utilize the automated system. “The good news for our countrymen is that once these e-gates are in place in both arrival and departure areas, even when leaving the Philippines, it will be through an e-gate. There will be no need for manual or face-to-face processing,” he added.
Secretary Dizon also extended his gratitude to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado for their support in replacing the outdated e-gates. He emphasized the necessity of equipping the airport with modern technology to ensure seamless passenger transactions.
“We are thankful to Justice Secretary Boying Remulla and Commissioner Viado because we have long been pushing for the replacement of our electronic gates for immigration,” Secretary Dizon said.
The new e-gate system will prioritize Filipino citizens, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), aligning with practices in other countries. Foreign tourists are also expected to benefit from the speed and efficiency of the automated passport control system.
“Our priority will be Filipinos first, just like in other countries. We need to prioritize our countrymen, especially our OFWs. This is also great news for our tourists,” Secretary Dizon noted. “This will significantly improve the travel experience of our countrymen. It will provide great relief, especially during peak travel periods.”
The implementation of e-gates at NAIA marks a significant step towards modernizing the airport’s infrastructure and enhancing the travel experience for both Filipinos and international visitors.
