PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said the sign-up numbers for the national ID, also known as the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) are 10% below the target of 92 million for 2023.

“As of Dec. 18, 82,812,899 Filipinos are PhilSys-registered,” the PSA said in a statement Thursday.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the public for their steadfast support for the implementation of PhilSys,” Undersecretary, National Statistician, and Civil Registrar-General Claire Dennis S. Mapa said.

“We, at the PSA and our field offices, are exerting all efforts to ensure coverage of Filipinos who have not yet registered,” he added.

Mr. Mapa said the PSA will strive to bring PhilSys registration teams to every community.

“Registration with PhilSys remains easy and convenient. Filipinos can go to any registration center and bring their supporting documents. No pre-registration required,” the PSA added.

The PSA is also working to speed up the printing and delivery of physical ID cards, known as PhilIDs, to serve as valid proof of identity and age in all transactions.

As of Dec. 8, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has sent out for delivery 48,770,513 PhilIDs.

Of these, 44,803,320 have been delivered by the Philippine Postal Corp.

“In addition, 44,142,431 ePhilIDs, both printed and downloaded, have been issued,” it added, referring to the temporary paper IDs issued shortly after registration prior to receipt of the card ID. — Aaron Michael C. Sy