There is another reason to register for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) and avail of the Philippine Identification (PhilID) card.

Land Bank of the Philippines will give free automated teller machine (ATM) cards to PhilSys registrants in support of the government’s aim for financial inclusion of Filipinos.

“LandBank continues to widen its Agent Banking Program to reach unbanked and underserved Filipinos,” LBP said in a statement on Oct. 8.

LandBank said its partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority-PhilSys helps widen its services.

“Those who have registered for a national ID and have not opened a Landbank Agent Banking Card may proceed to the registration center to open an account. Those who have yet to register for a national ID, the bank is also providing a free ATM card for you,” Landbank stated.

To avail of the free Landbank ATM card, one should be at least 15 years old, has no existing account with LBP or other banks, did not receive an ATM intended for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program benefits, must have a PhilSys transaction slip (from the Step 2 biometrics registration), and valid proof of identification or document.

The Landbank ATM card can be used for cash-in, cash-out, bills payment, and fund transfer transactions.

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 shall 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 also seeks to boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. (PNA)