CLARK FREEPORT— The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have formalized their partnership through a signed agreement on July 13, establishing a database interconnection to facilitate real-time data exchanges, improving efficiency and security.
This collaboration 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.
Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), CDC and BI 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 No. 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 Atty. 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 Atty. 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 Atty. Norman Tansingco, in his message, 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 Atty. Tansingco.
The Freeport’s strategic promotion as a preferred destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and tourism highlights the significant value of the database interconnection. With the new Clark International Airport terminal 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.
Commendation
Meanwhile, the BI has commended real-time interconnection of the Information Technology Department of CDC’s (CDC-ITD) in-house visa processing system with the BI database.
This commendation was expressed during the signing of the MOA, where discussions took place regarding the enhancement of digitalization, coordination, and collaboration efforts.
The Electronic VISA Implementation System for Aliens (eVISA), which seamlessly integrates with the Electronic Business Account Registration System (e-BAR) are both developed by CDC’s homegrown talents. The system enables convenient online visa applications, organizing them on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wendell Guina and Paul Dexter Bacani of CDC-ITD developed the system, which enables real-time interconnection between CDC and BI, enhancing monitoring, screening, and public service delivery. The interconnection aims to streamline visa processing for foreign nationals in the Freeport, aligning with the government’s digitalization efforts and improving service delivery.
Kristine Lauren Pattaui, CDC-ITD’s Officer-in-Charge, highlighted the system’s convenience and accuracy, while Guina, an IT Officer III, emphasized the time-saving benefits it offers.
