DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority in Region 11 (PSA-11) has established a total of 114 Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration centers in the entire region.
In a press briefing Wednesday, PSA-11 Director Ruben Abaro, Jr. said at least 35 registration centers are found in Davao de Oro, 33 in Davao del Norte, 36 in Davao del Sur, and 10 in Davao Occidental.
Abaro said each registration center is equipped with 509 registration kits used in obtaining the biometrics and other proof of identity of the registrants.
“All the registration kits are functional and we did not encounter any technical problems at all,” he said.
Abaro said PSA-11 is expecting more low-income families to register for PhilSys based on the bulk of queries they received via the agency's communication lines, including social media.
As of now, he said PSA-11 sees a smooth flow of registration process in the region as he assured that standard health protocols against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) are being adhered to by the PSA PhilSys enumerators, officers, and registrants.
PSA has made it clear that the national ID not just another identification card, as it aims to streamline the government’s delivery of services.
Its primary purpose is to establish a single Philippine ID for all citizens and resident aliens for easier access to government programs and benefits.
PSA also clarified PhilID will not replace other existing functional IDs like passport or driver’s license.
Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.
The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.
It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. (PNA)
