DBM releases P1.3B for E-gates expansion in PH’s int’l gateways
Ninoy Aquino International Airport —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released a total of P1.347 billion for the expansion of the Electronic Gates (E-gates) Project in major international gateways across the country.
The agency on Tuesday said the funds will be used to enhance security and immigration processes in the following gateways:
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- Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals I and III
- Clark International Airport
- Mactan Cebu International Airport
- Davao International Airport
- Kalibo International Airport
- Boracay-Caticlan International Airport
- Zamboanga International Seaport
- Laoag International Airport
- Bohol-Panglao International Airport
- Puerto Princesa International Airport
“To fulfill President Bongbong Marcos’ directive of providing convenience to travelers, whether locals or foreign visitors, and reduce long queues at immigration counters, the DBM already released the budget allocation for the E-gates Project for 2025 amounting to P1.347 billion,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman was quoted as saying in DBM’s news release.
“I would also like to note that in 2024, we were able to release P1.976 billion to the Bureau of Immigration for the procurement of Phase 1 of the project. This will continue until Phase 3 in 2026. This year, we are already in Phase 2, and we are appealing to the BI to complete the procurement process as soon as possible so the E-gates Project can become fully operational,” she added.
The DBM said the E-gates are expected to replace 50 percent of all manned inspection counters with modernized technology.
The agency also noted that the target date for the full deployment of operational E-gates is set on or before Dec. 15./mcm
