Legazpi: About 5.29 million Bicolanos have registered in the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), the country's national ID system, from 2021 to 2025, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority in Bicol (PSA-5) on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, PSA-5 said the 5.29 million represents 87 percent of the region's total population. Among the provinces, Camarines Sur with 1.6 million and Albay with 1.1 million both exceeded the 1 million registration mark. Masbate recorded 875,000 registrations, Sorsogon (743,000), and Camarines Norte (554,000), each surpassing the half-million registration milestone. Meanwhile, Catanduanes registered 268,000 individuals in the national ID system.
Among children aged 0-4 years, a total of 117,200 were registered. Camarines Sur had the highest registration count, with 29,100 children, followed by Masbate (24,800) and Albay (20,900), underscoring ongoing efforts to expand early childhood registration.
In the production and distribution of national IDs, PSA Bicol issued 2.06 million identification documents in paper format, while 3.11 million national ID cards were successfully delivered via the Philippine Postal Corporation. Camarines Sur recorded the highest number of delivered IDs at 1.17 million, followed by Albay with 696,700 and Sorsogon with 418,900.
This year, the PSA-5 reaffirmed its commitment to continue and intensify national ID registration activities, with particular focus on unregistered individuals, children aged 0-4, geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), and institutional populations. Mobile registration initiatives and coordination with local government units will be further strengthened to ensure inclusive access to the national ID system.
The PhilSys is a foundational national ID system established under Republic Act No. 11055, which aims to provide a single, valid proof of identity to simplify public and private transactions, promote financial inclusion, and improve service delivery.
