There is continuous progress in the registration pace of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) project amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

In an advisory on Thursday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the lead implementing agency of the PhilSys, reported a total of 30,043,249 Filipinos have already done with the biometrics process, the second phase of PhilSys registration, as of Sept 10.

PSA Undersecretary Dennis Mapa said the “milestone was recorded despite the varying community quarantine restrictions imposed in some areas.”

“The PSA is grateful to the public for their continued support and enthusiasm to register to PhilSys. We are optimistic that registrations will continue to ramp up as we reach this 30 million milestone,” Mapa said in a statement.

Filipinos are urged to register in PhilSys online through https://register.philsys.gov.ph for the Step 1 process.

The Step 2 process involves capturing biometric information, such as fingerprint, iris scans, and front-facing photographs, at the designated registration centers in various areas.

Step 3 is the delivery of the Philippine Identification (PhilID) card by the Philippine Post Corporation, the official courier partner of the PSA.

Mapa reiterated the entire application process and delivery are free of charge.

He added the registration centers in cities and municipalities under lower-level quarantine restrictions will continue to operate in compliance with the government’s health protocols.

“Rest assured that the PSA continues to closely monitor registration operations as a commitment to prioritize public safety,” he said.

Registrants are reminded to strictly observe health and safety measures such as physical distancing, wearing of face mask, and face shield when transacting face-to-face with PhilSys personnel.

Mapa said the PSA has opened additional slots for online appointment bookings to accommodate more PhilSys registrants nationwide.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo 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 shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrolment 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 the PhilID during transactions. (PNA)