Manila: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have verified over 23,000 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program using the national ID authentication portal.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PSA announced that as of May 1, 2026, a total of 23,162 TUPAD beneficiaries were successfully authenticated during the pilot rollout of the Citizen Authentication Portal (CAP). TUPAD offers 10 to 30 days of emergency, community-based employment to informal, displaced, or seasonal workers, who receive wages based on the local minimum wage, insurance coverage, and safety gear for tasks like cleaning and gardening.

CAP, developed by PSA, verifies TUPAD beneficiaries' identities through national ID authentication using facial verification and fingerprint scanning. The pilot was conducted in 56 areas across various cities within the National Capital Region (NCR).

PSA Assistant Secretary Rosalinda Bautista emphasized the importance of CAP in enhancing the beneficiary database by improving targeting mechanisms and preventing duplication of records, ensuring that assistance is provided to the most qualified beneficiaries. PSA and DOLE aim to expand their partnership to implement National ID Authentication Services in all TUPAD activities nationwide.

Recently, PSA conducted a capacity-building activity for DOLE personnel, offering system walk-throughs, hands-on activities, and guidance on basic troubleshooting and technical support. The National ID Authentication Services have been pivotal in efficient identity verification for social protection program beneficiaries, including those of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which uses a similar platform for identity verification.