THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) signed an agreement on July 13 establishing a database interconnection to facilitate real-time data exchanges, improving efficiency and security.
The deal streamlined visa processing for foreign nationals within the Clark Freeport Zone, in line with the government’s ongoing efforts to digitize public transactions and enhance service delivery.
Based on the memorandum of agreement (MOA), BI and CDC will leverage digital platforms to verify identities, conduct checks on derogatory records of foreign nationals, and validate travel and admission statuses.
By integrating these processes, a seamless and efficient visa processing system will be achieved while ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations set forth by Republic Act 10173 also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The interconnection of databases brings substantial benefits to visa processing, enabling CDC to effectively carry out due diligence and screening protocols for investment proponents, according to CDC president and CEO attorney Agnes VST Devanadera.
“The new memorandum of agreement will actually make good use of technology, and we’re starting to use technology in doing due diligence regarding the people who apply for endorsement of their visa within the zone,” said Devanadera.
The CDC and BI pledged to enhance their fraud detection and profiling capabilities through training and retooling. This will allow them to evaluate potential investors more accurately, and effectively address the challenges posed by evolving trends in business and global trade practices in the digital age.
BI commissioner Norman Tansingco commended the partnership between CDC and BI, emphasizing its role in facilitating efficient monitoring and enforcement of immigration, citizenship, alien admission, and registration laws within the Freeport.
“This MOA signing opened for a discussion of how CDC and BI would strengthen the partnership, the coordination, the cooperation, and the collaboration. With this memorandum of agreement, CDC will have real-time connectivity with BI, and I am happy to say that BI is now ready to accept the connection from CDC,” said Tansingco.
The Freeport’s strategic promotion as a preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) highlights the significant value of the database interconnection.
As the new Clark International Airport terminal is attracting more international flights, the Freeport is preparing to host the Philippine MICE Conference 2024, reinforcing its position as a premier choice for hosting major events and driving the expansion of the tourism industry.
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