Government to launch RapidPass for frontline workers

MANILA: Frontline workers are about to have an easier time through checkpoints as the national government is set to launch RapidPass on April 9. Application begins today at RapidPass.ph.

“Itong RapidPass system ay na-conceptualize para makatulong mabawasan ang person-to-person contact at mapabilis ang pag-check ng vehicles ng manggagawa ng vital services, dun sa mga checkpoints (This RapidPass system was conceptualized to help minimize person-to-person contact and speed up vehicle checks for those working in vital services at checkpoints),” said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.

To make the checking process faster, RapidPass is a QR code for government personnel to scan at checkpoints, reducing contact between people. Frontline workers will no longer need to bring out and present paperwork, which sometimes has to be passed around from one person to the next.

RapidPass will be available for frontline workers focusing primarily on workers in the fields of media, goods manufacturer, delivery, basic services, logistics, and business process outsourcing (BPO)

Medical workers can opt to use RapidPass but as they only need to present a PRC (Professional Identification Card) ID, they can choose not to apply for a RapidPass.

“Media, manufacturers, sila na nabibigyan na po ng accreditation ng DTI and other agencies—sila po ang unang gagamit ng RapidPass system natin (Media, manufacturers, those accredited by the DTI or other agencies, they will be the first ones who will make use of the RapidPass system),” Nograles added.

To get the QR code, visit RapidPass.ph and follow the necessary steps. After approval, the QR code will be sent via email and SMS after 24 hours. Users can present the QR code in the mobile device or print it and stick it on the windshield. Also have an extra printed copy in hand and a valid ID before heading out.

This was developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and a non-profit digital solutions developer called DEVCON Community of Technology eXperts (DCTx).

"Secretary Nograles sent me a message, asking if the DOST could help in developing a system that would lessen person-to-person contact (in checkpoints). We helped in the conceptualization and field testing of this project," said DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña.

RapidPass will initially be available in the National Capital Region but can be expanded for national coverage.