CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) --The Calabarzon Regional Inter Agency Task Force (RTF-CALABARZON)  is hopeful that the full implementation of the Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage (S-Pass) application will reduce the spread of the coronavirus in the region’s five provinces.

Developed by the Department of Science and Technology Region IV-A (DOST IV-A), S-Pass is an online travel coordination permit system being utilized by the national Inter Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) intended as a one stop communication and coordination platform for travellers and Local Government Units (LGUs).

Through the S-Pass, travellers can check the travel policies and requirements of their destinations and apply for travel documents depending on the policy of the destination LGUs.

DOST IV-A Director Emelita Bagsit said Batangas province holds the highest number of Travel Coordination Permit (TCP) scans in the country after implementing S-Pass in its port.

“We are now in the second week of promoting [this application in the region]. Rest assured that we will continuously work to increase public awareness of the S-Pass para sa maayos at hassle free na pagpasok at paglabas ng travellers sa ating rehiyong Calabarzon.” Bagsit vowed.

Despite being one of the first areas in the region to be acquainted with the application, Batangas City was not able to use S-Pass as its primary platform for travellers.

“Dahil unrestricted ang Batangas City, hindi namin kinailangan ang scanner at hindi tayo agad naging aware na walang ginagamit ang Port area. Hamon sa amin ito dahil gamit ang social media, kahit city tayo, mayroon pa ring hindi ganoon ka -sustained ang internet connection.” City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rod Dela Rosa admitted.

However, Dela Rosa said they implemented an extensive information education campaign of  the S-Pass for Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils.

Prior to its orientation with the RTF, DOST IV-A Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations, Officer-in-Charge, Engr. Francisco Barquilla III said they have already conducted S-PaSS orientations for CALABARZON LGUs and government agencies to provide awareness on the usage, creation of accounts, requirements management, and setting up scanning points.

“A joint COVID Shield task force resolution will be released shortly implementing the S-Pass in the region. Lives are at stake here, there is no reason for us not to implement the S-Pass. Please be assured of our continuous support to you and our team,” Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Maria Theresa Escolano said.

Other agencies in the regional task force are also hopeful that the S-Pass will help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Orientations for the S-Pass in the region began in March, which kicked off in the provinces, including Lucena City. (PB)