The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Negros Oriental is now accepting walk-ins for registration to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) as the agency noted a list-up slowdown during the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) that started last month.
Previously, registrants had to wait for a text or online notification from PSA before they could go to the enlistment sites.
In an interview on Wednesday, Ariel Fortuito, PSA-Negros Oriental chief, said aside from accepting walk-ins and coordinating with government entities to send their employees over for the sign-up, they are now conducting mobile registration in some barangays.
The daily number of registrants at designated areas dropped during the MECQ, he said, although he did not give exact numbers.
“We had to strategize so we can meet our target as it appeared that people were apprehensive leaving their homes during the MECQ,” he said in mixed English and Cebuano.
Some people may also be scared of contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) due to the surge of cases in the province, Fortuito said.
As of July 11, the total number of PhilSys registrants in Negros Oriental has reached 553,024, records of the agency show.
Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.
The national ID will be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.
It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions.
Source: Philippines News Agency