Frontliners may now use RapidPass QR codes to easily pass through checkpoints in the Philippines.

In a press briefing, IATF-EID spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced that they are officially rolling out the RapidPass system for use starting on Monday, April 6.

The RapidPass system will enable frontliners and authorized vehicles to easily pass through checkpoints by presenting Quick Response (QR) codes and control numbers generated from the RapidPass website after successful registration and approval.

The system was developed with the aim to cut processing time of inspection while promoting physical distancing and enabling ease of passage for workers that are essential to the business continuity of services especially in the health sector.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) worked together with volunteers from Developers Connect (DevCon), a global community of developers and IT professionals in launching the system. Initially, the software was made freely accessible to any country who may deem it useful to their needs.

https://www.facebook.com/rapidpassph/videos/556709641630055/

How does the RapidPass system work?

The RapidPass can be accessed through the website from any computer or mobile phone. There are two categories for registration: for individuals and for vehicles.

Users must register themselves as an individual but for those who bring their personal cars, their vehicle must also be separately registered.Users can register starting April 6, Monday.

All registrations will go into an online database where it will be processed for verification and evaluation which will take a few hours. Once the application is approved, a Quick Response (QR) code will be generated and received by the applicant via email as an attachment that they need to print or through their smartphone with a link to download. A control number will also be received via text message.

Although the QR may be downloaded in the mobile phones as an image, it is encouraged to have it printed on an A4 paper, fold and attach to the vehicle’s windshields or side windows. For individuals, the printed paper may also be folded and inserted in their IDs.

At the end of the day, the list of approved registrants along with the control numbers, QR codes, validity period and plate number of registered vehicles will be downloaded to the mobile phones of inspectors manning the checkpoints to be used for checking the next day. That means the RapidPass may only be used a day after registration, subject to approval.

Companies and government agencies may apply for their employees for bulk system approval. They just need to provide a list of employees with all the information required.

Who can apply for RapidPass?

Only individuals in the following sectors are allowed to apply for RapidPass:

  • Agribusiness & Agricultural Workers
  • Banks
  • BPOs & Export-Oriented Business Personnel
  • Civil Aviation
  • Delivery personnel of cargoes
  • Distressed OFWs
  • Emergency Responders
  • Food Chain/Restaurants
  • Funeral Service
  • Government Agency
  • Grocery/Convenience Stores
  • Heads of Mission/Designated Foreign Mission Reps
  • Hotel Employees and Tenants
  • International Passengers and Driver
  • Logistics Warehouse
  • Media Personalities
  • Medical Services
  • Manufacturing
  • Money Transfer Services
  • Pharmacies/Drug Stores
  • Public Market
  • Private Individual (1 per household) availing the services of mentioned establishments
  • Ship Captain & Crew
  • Security Services
  • Transportation Facilities
  • Utilities (Sanitation, Water, Energy, and Telecommunications)
  • Veterinary

What information must be provided?

For individuals:

  • Full Name
  • Contact Information (e-mail address and mobile number)
  • Company Information (company name, ID type to be presented and ID number)
  • Place of Origin
  • Place of Destination
  • Nature of Work
  • Reason why you need the pass

For vehicles:

  • Full Name
  • Contact Information (e-mail address and mobile number)
  • Company Information (company name, ID type to be presented and ID number)
  • Place of Origin
  • Place of Destination
  • Nature of Work
  • Vehicle ID Type
  • Plate Number/Conduction Sticker
  • Reason why you need the pass
RapidPass-Philippines

On the field, the RapidPass works like RFID (radio frequency identification) wherein the inspectors can scan the QR codes using their smartphones even from a short distance.

A special lane for RapidPass holders will be opened. In case the codes cannot be read by the system or the individual forgot to bring the printed QR, checking will be based on the control numbers for individuals (sent via text message) and plate numbers for vehicles registered in the system.

All kinds of field testing for the new system was done days before its deployment. These include testing for all kinds of vehicles, places with high volume, low traffic to high traffic, and during the day and night. The IATF-EID is working with the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the trials of different scenarios as the latter is the team tasked for manning the checkpoints.

PLDT sponsored 200 smartphones to be used for scanning the RapidPass in checkpoints. According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) assistant secretary Emmanuel Rey Caintic, the RapidPass underwent various security and vulnerability testing to ensure information of all users are protected.

They are also working with the DICT Cybersecurity Bureau for continuous monitoring of its servers for possible data breach. They will also use statistical and analytical data collected from RapidPass to check flow of critical service and delivery personnel to further improve the system.

In a press conference on Facebook, questions were gathered from the watchers and these are the combined answers from Department of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, DICT Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Rey Caintic, IATF-EID Spokesperson Karlo Nograles, private businessman Winston Damarillo, and DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” de la Peña.

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Can the RapidPass be used for a different purpose other than the reason mentioned during the application?

During the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the RapidPass must only be used for the purpose indicated in the application. The use of RapidPass for other purposes is open for discussion after the ECQ.

Is the RapidPass coverage for the entire Philippines?

As of now, RapidPass is available in the NCR only. On the technical side, we are exploring possibilities of expanding around the country later on for gradual or barangay level.

Is RapidPass required for all frontliner/workers?

It is not yet mandatory since implementation is currently in the initial phase but it is highly encouraged because it is for the advantage and convenience of all.

Until when is the RapidPass valid?

As of now, the pass is valid only until the end of ECQ.

After the ECQ, what will happen to the data collected?

We will be observing Data Privacy Act mechanisms. Also, the data is anonymized since the pass comes in the form of a QR code.

What security measures are in place for the RapidPass system?

Initial vulnerability and penetration testing were done and all findings shall be plugged continuously. We are also practicing hyper vigilance for monitoring of information gathered.

Where did the budget for RapidPass come from and how much did it cost?

RapidPass is a result of volunteer work of the developers in DevCon (dubbed as DCTx). Smartphones were sponsored by the private sector while the cost of communications for e-mail and SMS are funded by the DOST in the amount of P1 million.

For more information, you can check out the RapidPass Facebook page.

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  1. may rapid pass nko ang isang problema hindi nmn na mabasa ang QR code kpg tinapat sa scanner