20 JANUARY 2025. ROMBLON, ROMBLON. Republic Act No. 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, seeks to establish a single national identification system that aims to provide a valid proof of identity for Filipino citizens and resident aliens of the Philippines. Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed the legislation on August 2018, appointing the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) as the agency responsible for implementing the PhilSys. The PSA is tasked with comprehensive registration of all individuals into the PhilSys.

In line with this, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Romblon Provincial Statistical Office is committed to promote inclusivity in the delivery of its services through PhilSys. Despite the challenges posed by the province’s archipelagic nature and severe weather conditions, PSO Romblon has devised strategies to connect with Romblomanons throughout the province and effectively provided the services offered by PhilSys. As of 31 December 2024, a total of 254,509 Romblonanons have been successfully registered to the National ID, accounting 90.8 percent of the target population (280,269) based on the 2020 Census of Population  and Housing (CPH). Also, there were 2,655 Ati, 11,585 Bantoanons, and 4,497 Sibuyan Mangyan Tagabukid were successfully enrolled in PhilSys resulting to a total of 18,747 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) receiving the benefits of valid identification. Additionally, PSO Romblon encourages parents and guardians to register children aged 1 to 4 years to the National ID system as it continues to open various registration venues to make registration easier and accessible for minors. As of 31 December 2024, a total of 4,144 children aged 4 years old and below has been registered to PhilSys.

To allow more Filipinos to immediately enjoy the benefits of being PhilSysregistered, the PSA continues its ePhilID issuance efforts at registration centers, where registered persons can request for it to be printed. As of 31 December 2024, the number of ePhilIDs issued has reached 224,170. Just like the PhilID, the ePhilID can be presented as a valid proof of identity in transactions.

Moreover, the PSO Romblon, through PhilSys, provides registrants to update their National ID, allowing users in-person updates of their demographic information, including changes related to nationality, age, and civil status. The service also allows for the correction of clerical or typographical errors, such as misspelled names or incorrect birthplaces. Also, adjustments to first names or birth dates are permitted if there are evident errors in the original data, according to the PSA notice. Since the launch of the program in June 2024, a total of 264 National IDs have been successfully updated at the end of the year.

Further, since its public launch on 10 June 2024, PhilSys Romblon has assisted 240 individuals in obtaining their Digital National ID. This format, which can be accessed online and stored on electronic devices, serves as legitimate proof of identity. It can be downloaded; however, the office keeps the public informed that printing it on Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is illegal and punishable by law.

Lastly, PSO Romblon continues to strengthen collaborations with other national government agencies, especially the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to enhance social protection programs. This includes implementing Family Development Sessions (FDS) equivalency and biometric authentication for all Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries and their households. As of 31 December 2024, a total of 32,716 4Ps beneficiaries have successfully authenticated their registration to the National ID in the province, a number that continues to grow as implementation progresses.

These achievements are the result of the hard work of dedicated Local Government Units, government and private organizations, and dedicated registration personnel. It represents a significant step forward for the nation, providing tangible benefits to citizens and contributing to a stronger, more inclusive future for all. The PSA remains committed to expanding outreach efforts to ensure that every Filipino can enjoy the advantages of this vital program.

For more information, please contact PSA-Romblon Provincial Statistical Office with contact numbers 0939-876-0734/0921-301-3323, and email address romblon@psa.gov.ph. Meanwhile, a Fixed Registration Center is located at G/F Kadbayan MPC Bldg., Brgy. Dapawan, Odiongan, Romblon, beside the Civil Registry System (CRS) Outlet, to offer the National ID services along with updating of demographic information.

(SGD) JOHNNY F. SOLIS  
Chief Statistical Specialist