The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has launched the RapidPass system for frontliners and priority vehicles.
Accessible starting Monday, 06 April 2020 via RapidPass.ph, the website aims to help in faster movement and access for frontliners and priority vehicles using a QR code-based system for permits issuance. Frontliners, responders, and delivery personnel for food and supplies can register on the website for fast approval when going through designated checkpoints.
“The RapidPass system was conceptualized by the IATF to help minimize person-to-person contact and have a faster way of checking vehicles and personnel involved in vital services at checkpoints,” according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles during a virtual press conference Friday afternoon.
The website and the Android application components of the project were developed by volunteers of the non-profit organization Developers Connect Philippines (DEVCON). The organization said that PLDT initially donated a total of 200 smartphone units for RapidPass use at checkpoints and Microsoft also donated the Azure platform used in the development of the website.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for its part said that they will ensure the security of the system against hacking and tampering. As of today, the DICT claims that vulnerability assessment of the RapidPass is on-going – in time for the launch on Monday. DICT also said that both them and DEVCON will manage the database used by the project.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana asked the proponents of the project to share the data collected for use by the PNP and AFP for law enforcement activities. DICT Assistant Secretary for Digital Philippines Emmanuel Rey “Manny” Caintic concurred but emphasized that RapidPass is not an ID system but more of a permit system.