Philippines Expands National ID Registration to Include Young Children
In a landmark move, the Philippines has opened the doors of its national identification system, PhilSys, to children as young as one year old. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that this initiative is aimed at integrating more Filipinos, especially minors, into the national database.
A Parental Presence for Progress
The process requires the presence of a PhilSys-registered parent or guardian during registration. This measure ensures that the child’s PhilSys number is securely linked to a responsible adult.
Documenting the Future
A variety of documents are accepted to verify the child’s demographic details, ranging from certificates of live birth to municipal forms and passports. This flexibility is designed to accommodate the diverse circumstances of Filipino families.
Capturing Childhood
Initially, only a front-facing photograph will be taken. However, as the child grows, additional biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans, will be collected to complete their profile.
A Step Towards Tomorrow
PSA Undersecretary Dennis Mapa calls upon parents and guardians to participate in shaping a modern Philippines for the coming generations by enrolling their young ones in PhilSys.
Nationwide Accessibility
The PSA reassures that registration centers are accessible for walk-ins, and mobile registration units are reaching out to those in remote or disadvantaged locations.
This inclusive approach marks a significant step in ensuring that every Filipino, no matter how young, is recognized and can benefit from the nation’s growing digital infrastructure.