PHILSYS ID. The Philippine Statistics Authority reports that there are 1.9 million identification cards already delivered to Ilocos Region as of March 31, 2023. Registration is still ongoing. (PNA File Photo)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – At least 1.9 million identification cards (IDs) have been delivered in the Ilocos Region as of March 31 this year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Of the total number, 156,424 were delivered in Ilocos Norte province; 342,955 in Ilocos Sur; 403,749 in La Union; and 1.04 million in Pangasinan province.
In a virtual forum on Thursday, PSA Ilocos regional director Sheila de Guzman said the PSA continues to work with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for a fast-tracked printing and production, and the Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) for the swift delivery of the IDs under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).
“On the other hand, Filipinos who wish to register with PhilSys may visit any registration center (see list of registration centers here: https://www.philsys.gov.ph/registration-center/) and would no longer need to pre-register online. Walk-in applicants must bring any primary or secondary supporting documents in order to be registered,” de Guzman said.
She added that the registration process involves the validation of an individual’s demographic information and the collection of biometric information. Upon completion of the process, a transaction slip will be given to the registered person.
“The Provincial Statistical Offices in the region are also conducting PhilSys mobile registration activities as well as setting up registration centers at fixed locations and malls,” she said.
Some 4.04 million individuals have already registered for Step 2 in the PhilSys as of March 31, according to the PSA.
Step 2 involves the actual sign up which includes the validation of demographic information and the capture of fingerprint, iris, and face images at PhilSys registration centers.
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 is a valid proof of identity and a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrolment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.
It seeks to boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. (PNA)
