Palapag, Northern Samar – As part of the ongoing National ID Integration Campaign and in line with its commitment to digital transformation and efficient public service, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Palapag has successfully completed the regulatory onboarding stage for National ID integration. Under the leadership of Honorable Mayor Florencio “Florence” Batula and with the dedicated efforts of designated Data Protection Officer (DPO) & MPDC Lucille Gajutos-Galoy, LGU Palapag received official confirmation from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Central Office regarding its successful compliance with the integration requirements.

This milestone marks LGU Palapag as the first among the 24 municipalities of Northern Samar to successfully complete the onboarding requirements for the National ID system. Additionally, it is the third local government units in Eastern Visayas to complete the necessary steps for integration. By achieving this, Palapag is now officially engaged as a relying party on the eVerify platform, granting the municipality an access to secure and reliable verification resources for validating National IDs presented by its constituents.

The successful onboarding of LGU Palapag highlights the municipality’s proactive approach to adopting secure, streamlined, and efficient public service mechanisms. With this integration, local transactions that require identity verification such as availing of government services, processing permits, and accessing social benefits will become faster, more reliable, and more secure.

As Mayor Batula emphasized during the meeting on 17 February 2025, the local government was determined to be the first municipality to onboard the National ID integration. He reaffirmed their commitment to expediting the submission of requirements, ensuring that the system could be promptly utilized for various municipal transactions, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and convenience of public services.

Moreover, PSA Northern Samar encouraged other LGUs and various transacting establishments to take advantage of these free verification services. By integrating the National ID system, they can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of client verification processes while reinforcing security measures. This initiative is designed to minimize the risk of fraud, promoting a safer, more reliable, and trustworthy environment for transactions across the province. #

FOR THE CHIEF STATISTICAL SPECIALIST

DINA T. PINCA (SGD)
Statistical Specialist II