LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – A total of 184,867 printable Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID or ePhilID has already been distributed in Ilocos Norte as of May 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office 1 (PSA-RSSO1).

Camille Carla Beltran, Chief Administrative Officer of PSA-RSSO1, said that residents who have completed the two-step registration process for the PhilID need to check the status of their registration frequently on the PSA PhilSys website to check if their ePhilIDs are already available to claim in their respective PSA field offices.

“Makikita yung status ng ePhilID sa website na appt.philsys.gov.ph, kaya siguraduhin na i-check ito palagi para ala natin kung kalian pwede makuha yung ePhilID na gagamitin habang hinihintay ang physical plastic ID card,” Beltran said.

She added that the paper ePhilID and the polyvinyl chloride (PCV) plastic version of the PhilID have the same functions and validity.

“The ePhilID is accepted as valid proof of identity sa mga government agencies at private institutions gaya ng mga bangko,” she added.

The ePhilID holders may present the ePhilID as a valid proof of identity and age in their transactions with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Finance, Philippine Post Office, Government Service Insurance System, PhilHealth, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Land Transportation Office, Supreme Court, and transactions in LGUs. 

She also encouraged government agencies and private institutions to set up their own ePhilID verification system to check the authenticity of the ePhilIDs presented by their clients.

Beltran added that if ePhilIDs will be rejected as proof of identity in transactions in government agencies, local government units, government financial institutions, and private institutions, cardholders need to report the instance to their nearest PSA field office.

She also encouraged eligible residents who are not yet registered to register in their respective PSA office for the PhilSys, and implored for the public’s patience and understanding in waiting for the issuance of their ePhilIDs and the National ID cards. (JCR/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)