Facial recognition tech to be installed in NAIA in 6 months

Facial recognition technology will soon be rolled out at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for more efficient processing for international and domestic passengers.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Mariz Umali, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to the NAIA Terminal 3 on Tuesday spoke about the new technology available at the airport, including the facial recognition technology.

“We’re trying to make life easier for them na mabilis nga… Hindi sila hinahanapan ng kung anu-anong ID. Mukha na lang nila, ayun na ID. Hindi na kailangang bumunot ng passport... Soon, magkakaroon na tayo niyan,” Marcos said.

(We’re trying to make life easier and faster for them… They will no longer be asked to present whatever IDs. Just their faces, that will be the ID. There will be no need to show their passports… Soon, we will also have that.)

Marcos also paid a visit to other facilities installed by the NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) of NAIA Terminal 3, including the new OFW Immigration Annex, OFW Lounge and Rest Area, Transport Network Vehicle Service Area, and arrival service area.

“We are trying to canvass the best technology that we can find para to make para maging madali ang pagpasok labas ng ating mga OFW at ating lahat ng mga bisita at ang mga domestic passengers pati,” he continued.

(We are trying to canvass the best technology that we can find to make our OFW’s entry and exits easier, and also for all our tourists and domestic passengers.)

NNIC Chairman Ramon Ang shared that the teminals’ capacities will increase in 2026 upon the opening of NAIA Terminal 5, which can accommodate 35 million passengers annually when combined NAIA Terminal 2. 

He said the facial recognition technology, expected to help ease lines at the airport, may be installed within the next 6 months. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News