Manila: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has urged the public and relying parties to be part of the national identification (ID) system to better access government services.
According to Philippines News Agency, the national ID provides a valid proof of identification card, available in both paper and digital formats, either of which holds the same validity and can be used in various transactions. The ID system is particularly beneficial for senior citizens, who can use it to avail discounts on medicines, medical supplies, public transport fares, as well as food and beverages in restaurants, cinemas, among other services.
Beginning April 1, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will recognize the national ID as the primary valid proof of identity for beneficiaries of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) program. The SPISC provides a monthly stipend of PHP1,000 to indigent senior citizens to help them meet daily subsistence and medical needs.
PSA Undersecretary and National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis Mapa highlighted that as more institutions integrate into the National ID system, registered individuals can expect services to become more accessible, efficient, and secure. The PSA aims to empower Filipinos by ensuring that National ID services remain continuously accessible.
The national ID system also serves as an interoperable platform, enabling system integration and authentication services for reliable and secure identity verification. The PSA e-certificate service, accessible via the PSAHelpline, is powered by the national ID. This service allows Filipinos domestically and abroad to request digital copies of civil registry documents, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, after undergoing identity verification through the national ID authentication services (NIDAS).
PSA Assistant Secretary and Deputy National Statistician of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Registry Office Rosalinda Bautista emphasized the PSA's mandate to enhance service accessibility, efficiency, and security through the National ID. She encouraged Filipinos to register and enjoy the benefits of the system, and urged relying parties to utilize the secure NIDAS for identity verification.
The PSA has announced that national ID registration remains open to walk-ins at registration centers. Institutions interested in partnering with the national ID system are encouraged to contact the PSA through designated email addresses for government, financial, private, and social protection sectors.
