The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said it is on track for the start of the registration of all Filipinos to the National Identification System (PhilSys) by mid-2020.
Lalaine Rodriguez, Chief Statistical Officer of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Puerto Princesa City, told the Punong Barangays of Puerto Princesa during their regular meeting that the registration process will be among its major activities next year.
“Magsisimula na ang roll out ng Philippine Identification System. Ang PhilSys ay ang ating major activities next year. Ang opisina namin ang mag-implement nito, pero marami kaming partner agencies,” she said.
The PSA started last September 2, 2019 the pilot testing for the national ID program in Metro Manila.
The first set of Filipinos entered into the system were from the National Capital Region. These were select beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and employees of the PSA and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
The pilot test registration will run from September 2019 until June 2021, and the actual registration will officially start by July 2020.
The PSA said that it is on track to have the system fully operational and to start the mass registration by mid-2020, and complete the enrollment of the population by mid-2022.
The first part of the pilot involves biometric and demographic capturing processes. Once the system is stable, operations will expand to cover select groups from nearby regions like Central Luzon and Calabarzon. The pilot will also involve thoroughly going through the data to ensure there will be no duplication, generation of unique PhilSys Numbers, and card printing and issuance.
PhilSys aims to provide a valid proof of identity for all Filipinos and resident aliens, making government and private sector services faster and more efficient
Its purpose is to establish a single national identification system referred to as the “Philippine Identification System” or the “PhilSys” for all citizens and resident aliens of the Republic of the Philippines to promote seamless delivery of service, and other purposes.
The legislation which seeks to implement this system is the “Philippine Identification System Act” otherwise known as the Republic Act No. 11055, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 6, 2018.