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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider DFNN unit iWave secures ₱1.5-billion immigration contract for nationwide biometric e-gates

DFNN unit iWave secures ₱1.5-billion immigration contract for nationwide biometric e-gates

Published Dec 26, 2025 12:00 am  |  Updated Dec 24, 2025 02:03 pm
DFNN Inc.’s technology unit has secured a role in the modernization of the Philippines’ primary international gateway, partnering with travel technology giant Amadeus IT Group SA to deploy biometric systems and automated gates at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The subsidiary, iWave Inc., is serving as the implementing partner for Amadeus under a contract with the San Miguel Corp.-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corp., according to the company.
The project involves the rollout of upgraded passenger processing systems, including new e-gates and biometric solutions, at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3.
The partnership tasks iWave with continuous technical operations and high-level maintenance within a government-regulated environment, ensuring the advanced systems handle high passenger volumes without disruption.
In a separate but related development, iWave has also secured a Notice of Award to act as the local implementing partner for Amadeus on a ₱1.53-billion contract with the Bureau of Immigration.
This broader initiative involves the supply of biometric and border control e-gate solutions to be installed across major regional hubs, including airports in Cebu, Clark, Bohol, and Davao. The contract was awarded following a competitive bid that came in significantly below the government’s approved budget.
The modernization comes as the Philippines braces for a surge in travel. Independent market models suggest international arrivals could surpass 12.9 million by 2026, while the Department of Tourism is targeting approximately 6.7 million international tourists.
This anticipated “tidal wave” of demand necessitates a shift in how border systems operate, as the cost of operational downtime escalates alongside rising passenger traffic.
“This demonstrates iWave’s role as a trusted technology service provider operating at the heart of a live national border system,” DFNN said in a statement. The rollout includes 78 biometric immigration e-gates integrated into the Bureau of Immigration’s workflow.
At Terminals 1 and 3, these units are expected to reduce individual processing times to approximately 20 seconds.
Ramon C. Garcia Jr., president of iWave, characterized the partnership as a commitment to nation-building through digital infrastructure. iWave Chief Operating Officer Marco Antonio R. Urera noted that the group aims to be an active partner in providing a more seamless airport experience as the region’s aviation sector accelerates.
For DFNN and iWave, the business model is designed to scale alongside system usage. As a long-term infrastructure partner in mission-critical environments, the company views the projected growth in aviation and tourism as a volume multiplier for its revenue streams rather than a one-time gain.

Related Tags

DFNN Inc. iWave Ramon C. Garcia Jr. Marco Antonio R. Ureta New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation Amadeus I.T. Group
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