The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Tuesday continued its pre-registration of selected individuals here under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), more known as the National ID System.

Noel Mendoza, PSA registration officer in Samal, conducted the interview asking pre-listed applicants their address, date, and place of birth, marital status, and contact number.

After the short interview and picture-taking of the applicant, Mendoza issued an appointment slip as to when the applicant would be further interviewed for more information and biometrics, such as fingerprints, iris scan, and front-facing photo.

Michael Alegre, the PSA supervisor in Bataan, said the agency is conducting the pilot in selected provinces in the country.

Alegre said under step one, only demographic data or basic information is sought and the picture of the applicant is taken in preparation for the actual registration in the designated registration center.

He said in this town, they began the pre-registration last October 12 and this would run until December 31.

There have so far been 7,000 applicants from the town’s 14 barangays.

Alegre noted that during the final registration in January 2021, four applications would be processed every hour as health protocols need to be followed, such as the disinfection of the machines.

In Barangay Sta. Lucia here, for instance, some of those pre-registered on Tuesday were scheduled for their final interview and biometrics on January 24, 2021. (PNA)