By Gerry Lee Gorit
Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus “XJ” D. Romualdo defended the province’s QR code system, addressing concerns over data privacy. In a recent interview on a local radio station, Romualdo emphasized that the information required for the QR code is standard and similar to what travelers typically provide. He reassured the public that the data collected is necessary for enhancing tourism services and ensuring efficient access to accommodations.
Romualdo explained that the QR system is a crucial tool for streamlining access to various services within the province. Registered users can benefit from quicker and more organized service delivery, making their experience in Camiguin smoother and more convenient.
The governor highlighted the importance of data-driven governance in planning and promoting Camiguin as a tourist destination. He argued that understanding the demographics of visitors is essential for effective promotion and development strategies. Without accurate data, Romualdo questioned how the province could effectively market itself and cater to the needs of its visitors.
Gov. Romualdo underscored the necessity of the QR code system, both for improving service delivery and for gathering essential data to drive the province’s tourism initiatives. He reassured the public that the information collected is standard and vital for Camiguin’s development as a premier tourist destination.
Earlier, a businessman and his group filed a petition and asked the court to nullify an ordinance requiring all visitors entering Camiguin Island to register for a QR Code revealing their personal information to authorities.
Paul Rogriguez, a local businessman in the island, led a group of petitioners against said ordinance known as Camiguin Smart Tourism formerly the Clean Camiguin QR Code, set up during the rise of Covid-19 a few years ago.
START OF THE QR CODE IN CAMIGUIN
Camiguin’s QR code system, initially introduced during the pandemic, was repurposed in 2023 to monitor tourist arrivals and analyze visitor trends. Visitors entering the province are required to obtain a QR code by providing personal information, including their full name, birthdate, sex, civil status, nationality, address, contact details, and a front-facing photograph. This code must also be scanned upon departure and can be reused for subsequent entries.
The system aims to collect, record, and organize data on all arrivals and departures in real time, providing insights into visitor demographics, trends, and the environmental impact of tourism. According to the ordinance, even residents are required to scan their QR codes when arriving in or leaving the province, ensuring comprehensive data collection.
However, this system has faced significant opposition. Petitioners argue that the ordinance enabling the QR code system is unconstitutional, claiming it compromises individual privacy and restricts freedom of movement. They have called for the immediate nullification of the ordinance, asserting that it remains the only QR code system in the Philippines still in effect after President Marcos lifted all Covid-19 restrictions.
The petitioners further criticized the “Smart Tourism Ordinance,” labeling it as “despotic” and an infringement on civil liberties. They are seeking a temporary restraining order from the court to halt the provincial government’s implementation of the system, which they believe unduly controls the movement of both residents and tourists on the island.
The case has sparked a broader debate on the balance between tourism management and individual rights, with its outcome likely to set a precedent for similar measures nationwide.
