The Philippine government represented by the officials and staff from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Embassy of the Republic of The Philippines in OTTAWA, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the APO Production Unit, Inc., and the Bureau of Immigration (BI), joined this year’s Symposium and Exhibition on the ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) and Joint International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Biometrics Forum held in Montreal, Canada on September 12-14, 2023.

The two-part symposium, attended by more than one thousand attendees from over 30 countries and jurisdictions, tackled technological developments, enhanced policies and best practices on traveller identification and border control to ensure safe and seamless travel.

The TRIP Symposium became a platform that allowed attendees to exchange information on all aspects of traveller identification management, where it highlighted the need to enhance international cooperation and collaboration to improve traveller’s experience while addressing the multiple threats faced by international civil aviation.

Among the topics discussed in the Symposium include biometrics technology, machine readable travel documents, document issuance and control, inspection systems and tools, interoperable applications, and, capacity building and assistance to states.

The ICAO/INTERPOL Joint Biometrics Forum, on one hand, provided insights on best practices, specifications, and technical mechanisms allowing a successful application and use of biometrics.

The forum also highlighted INTERPOL’s role on counterterrorism. PND