Manila, March 11 -- The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is looking into the nationwide adoption of the digital passenger manifest systems among domestic shipping operators, particularly for short-distance routes.

In a message on Wednesday, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said the standard is currently being implemented in Iloilo and Guimaras to automatically generate passenger manifests, and can also be used for fare payment.

The digital passenger manifest system involves the use of tap-and-go cards or quick response (QR) codes developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) with a private technology partner.

"This QR-based system allows passengers to register through a mobile application and au...