The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Southern Leyte successfully hosted the National ID Awareness Forum and Authentication Services Integration Coordination Meeting Among Relying Parties on 24 June 2025, bringing together Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), academic institutions, hospitals, banks, and other private sector stakeholders in support of the National ID (NID) 
 

Authentication Services. The activity aimed to build awareness, strengthen collaboration, and encourage integration of the National ID system across various sectors for more secure, efficient, and accessible public and private services.

The event was graced by key officials from the PSA Central Office, including Assistant Secretary and Deputy National Statistician (DNS) Rosalinda P. Bautista, OIC National Statistician Atty. Henedine P. Palabras, and Government Service Use Case Division Chief Oliver P. Chancoco whose presence underscored the importance of National ID in achieving a digitally empowered Philippines. 
 

In her opening message, Ms. Rose A. Ballera, OIC-Chief of Civil Registration and Administrative Services Division Region VIII, delivered her remarks on behalf of Regional Director Wilma A. Perante, highlighting Maasin City’s initiative to successfully integrate the NID Authentication System into its services. She encouraged other agencies to follow suit, citing the benefits of streamlined transactions and verified identity. 
 

DNS Bautista reassured attendees that the efforts of the PSA in National ID registration are not in vain, noting the availability of printed, paper-based, and digital National IDs, all of which are legally valid and functional. She emphasized the National ID’s security features, including biometric data, which ensure the identity belongs solely to the holder. 
 

On the other hand, Atty. Palabras described the National ID as a “transformative tool” for improving service delivery and called for deeper collaboration among all sectors to realize its full potential.

Registration Officer III Marife R. Molon provided a comprehensive overview of the salient features of RA 11055, Digital National ID, acceptance guidelines, and the National ID Check. This was followed by a technical walkthrough of the NID Authentication Services by Registration Officer II Raylene R. Ricarte. 
 

Another highlight of the event was the presentation of Mr. Ariel Cortel, staff of the Local Civil Registrar of Maasin City, showcasing their custom-built system already integrated with the NID Authentication Services.

An engaging open forum followed, moderated by Division Chief Chancoco, which addressed key questions, including the absence of signature on the ID and its legal implications. 
 

Ms. Angel Lacaba from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also delivered a strong message of support, urging LGUs to lead the change in delivering seamless, ID-enabled services to the public.

To conclude the program, Chief Statistical Specialist Eutemio A. Llevado Jr. extended his gratitude to all the participants and partners, for their commitment to support the National ID and advancing digital transformation in the country.

This coordination meeting marked a significant step in strengthening the use of the National ID as a secure, reliable, and universal proof of identity, in line with the government’s vision for a progressive and digitally inclusive Philippines. 
 

For more info, you can contact us through:
Telephone: (053) 862-0105
Email add: southernleyte@psa.gov.ph
Office Address: 2F SJC Building, Tomas Oppus St., Tunga-tunga, Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

SGD. EUTEMIO A. LLEVADO, JR.
Chief Statistical Specialist