The contact tracing system that uses a mobile application called “Traze” that will be used in all ports in the country was formally launched by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Instead of accomplishing a health declaration form in port terminals, passengers and other port users will use the mobile app.

Developed jointly by PPA in-house information technology experts and third-party developer Cosmotech Philippines, Inc., the mobile app TRAZE, has the capability to trace the movement of individuals inside PPA facilities without connecting to the Internet.

PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the PPA COVID-19 tracing system is specifically designed to meet the needs of the port community both for individuals and establishments even without the use of mobile electronic devices when such devices are not available for users.

“One of the major breakthroughs of the app is that you can add up to five people or establishments in a single profile, thus, the system tracks their movement even without any mobile electronic device,” Santiago said.

“Establishments and vehicles registered with the system can likewise be monitored, making contact tracing at the port in cases of COVID-19 infection manageable and effective,” Santiago explained.

Santiago furthered that passengers without access to the app can drop-by the port Malasakit Helpdesk in order to be registered in the system. The provided QR Code can be used by the passenger at any Traze-registered port or establishment in their subsequent travels.

After completing and verifying the registration, a unique Trazer identification number and printable QR Code will be issued. Persons with mobile electronic devices capable of reading QR Codes can simply scan other QR Codes for establishments and individuals.

Those without capable mobile electronic devices but registered through Traze-registered colleagues, friends or relatives, can simply printout their unique QR Codes which can be scanned every time they come in contact with another person or establishment. The system traces their movements directly through this.

The system also automatically notifies Traze-registered persons if they come in contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

All Traze-registered individuals and establishments can review their movement using the history button on the app itself.

The mobile application can be downloaded by users via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Meanwhile, the contact tracing system is being reviewed by the Department of Transportation, which they intend to adopt and implement as the Philippine transportation COVID-19 contract tracing system.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is likewise evaluating the system, which they also intend to use in all airports under their jurisdiction, Santiago said.