The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) received a citation for its open source adaptation for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) from a global award-giving body.

The recognition comes from The Future of Government Awards, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), consultancy firm Public Digital, and the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Institute. According to the official website of The Future of Government Awards, the body ‘champions practitioners, teams, and leaders who are transforming people’s lives by applying digital solutions and leveraging technology to reform the public sector for those it serves.’

“With profound gratitude, I humbly accept this prestigious Open Source Adaptation award on behalf of the PSA. Our journey, marked by resilience and determination, led us to successfully adapt the MOSIP platform for PhilSys,” said PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, PhD, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General in an acceptance speech delivered on his behalf by PhilSys Registry Office Officer-in-Charge, Deputy National Statistician Fred S. Sollesta.

PSA wins The Future of Government Awards' recognition for PhilSys' open source adaptation.

For the implementation of PhilSys, the PSA used the Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP).

Through MOSIP, registration kits were developed to allow PhilSys personnel to facilitate registration even in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) and even without internet connectivity.  

PhilSys also collaborated with MOSIP in the inclusion of a digital signature through the QR code feature of the PhilID, helping move past traditional methods of identity verification such as handwritten signatures that can be easily forged.

Much has been accomplished in PhilSys since implementation began. As of 02 February 2024, 83,831,244 Filipinos have successfully registered to PhilSys. A total of 47,571,080 PhilIDs have been delivered, while 44,996,841 ePhilIDs have been issued.

“I extend heartfelt thanks to [the] MOSIP [team] for [their] invaluable technical assistance during our PhilSys implementation. Equally deserving of recognition are the dedicated men and women of PSA—from our field offices to the central office. Your tireless support and unwavering dedication fueled our progress,” Usec. Mapa added.

“The success of PhilSys transcends mere numbers; it embodies our commitment to providing digital identity to every registered Filipino. As we transition to the next stage, expanding our use cases, we embark on a journey that will benefit our nation and its citizens.”

This new citation from The Future of Government Awards follows a recent recognition for PhilSys as a digital identification system.

In December 2023, PhilSys was recognized by the global consultancy firm, Reconnaissance International, for exemplifying ‘the best in system infrastructure and implementation of a government passport, identity, or other secure identification scheme.’

Through the firm’s High Security Printing (HSP) Asia Conference Regional Banknote and ID Document of the Year Awards, the PhilSys-issued PhilID was also awarded as the Best New National ID Card.

Quick Links:

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

-    PhilSys Registry Office