The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) targets more partnerships with national government agencies after its successful collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to authenticate beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

As of 08 May 2024, over 1,010,464 4Ps beneficiaries have been authenticated in various FDS conducted nationwide.

PSA Usec. Mapa visits an FDS in San Benito, Surigao del Norte where National ID authentication services have been offered.

"Nagsimula tayo sa DSWD. Itong year ay sisimulan natin sa Department of Foreign Affairs, sa passport naman, Ili-link natin ito sa National ID database sa pagche-check kung sino 'yung nag-a-apply ng Philippine passport at later on, marami pang programa kasi ito ay binigyan ni President [Marcos] ng priority na gagamitin talaga ang National ID," said PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, PhD, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General during an FDS of 4Ps in San Benito, Surigao del Norte.

A total of 130 4Ps beneficiaries were authenticated through their National IDs in the said FDS.

An initiative in partnership with the DSWD, the PSA first offered the National ID authentication services during the FDS of 4Ps beneficiaries in February. During one FDS, beneficiaries present their National ID or ePhilID and undergo fingerprint scanning to match against the National ID registry for identity verification. Each authentication is equivalent to the required attendance of Pantawid families to the FDS, which promotes positive family values and strengthens marital relationships, parental roles, and responsibilities.

"This is a very important exercise kasi pwedeng ngayon, hindi pa nila ma-realize na kailangan natin ang ating National ID… but in the next few years, talagang 'yung National ID na ang magiging basehan ng lahat ng transaksyon sa government," Usec. Mapa said.

A 4Ps beneficiary and attendee of an FDS in San Benito, Surigao del Norte registers to the National ID.

He further emphasized that biometric authentication, such as the fingerprint scanning done in the FDS is an infallible method of verification which the national and local government can rely on to ensure that target beneficiaries are the ones receiving assistance for its programs.  

Apart from authentication, the Provincial Statistical Office - Surigao del Norte also brought registration and ePhilID issuance services to 4Ps beneficiaries in attendance.

In the activity, 65 attendees were registered to the National ID, while six ePhilIDs were issued. Just like the National ID, the ePhilID can be presented as valid proof of identity in transactions, including applying for or claiming social protection program benefits.

Meanwhile, the PSA will continuously offer National ID authentication services for 4Ps beneficiaries during the FDS nationwide. 

Quick Links:

• Website: https://philsys.gov.ph
• Facebook page: https://facebook.com/PSAPhilSysOfficial 
• PhilID/ePhilID authentication: https://verify.philsys.gov.ph

-    PhilSys Registry Office