The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has so far delivered 3.1 million Philippine Identification (PhilID) cards or national IDs nationwide, as of Oct. 31, 2021.
PSA said it owes the successful delivery of the PhilID cards to the intensified Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Step 3 Registration operations, which involves the issuance of the unique PhilSys Number (PSN) and the PhilID card.
Moreover, PSA, together with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), appealed for public patience as it intensifies efforts to process the registration of more Filipinos.
It has partnered with BSP for the PhilID card production and personalization and PHLPost for the management of door-to-door delivery of the cards.
"We humbly ask for the patience and support of the public as we, together with the BSP and PHLPost, continuously do our best in accommodating millions of Filipinos who have successfully registered for PhilSys Step 1 and Step 2. In the meantime, please stay tuned for the launch of the PhilSys mobile ID," PSA Assistant Secretary Rosalinda P. Bautista, Deputy National Statistician of the PhilSys Registry Office, said in a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
PhilSys mobile ID is the digital version of the PhilID card that aims to accelerate the use of PhilSys, by providing a digital alternative to the physical card.
The PhilSys Card Number or PCN is the public version of the PSN printed on the front side of the PhilID which will be used when transacting for private and government services.
"The PSA strongly advises registrants to safe keep the letter containing their PSN upon receiving the PhilID. The PSN is unique to each registrant and shall always be kept confidential. The public is also reminded to refrain from posting a photo of their PhilID card on social media and other public platforms," the agency said.