By NG Seruela
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported that 1.5 million Filipinos have received their national ID as of Friday, Sep. 3.
In President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s public address recorded on Tuesday (Sep. 7), NEDA Sec. Karl Chua reported an update on the country’s national ID. He said that as of Sep. 3, 41.9 million Filipinos have registered for Step 1 where biometrics are collected.
“Nais ko pong i-report na as of 3rd of September 2021, 41.9 million na po ang na-register natin for Step 1, ito po ‘yung pagkolekta ng biometrics. Ang ginawa po natin dito pinuntahan po namin bahay-bahay o sa online po nag-register ang mga Pilipino kahit may pandemya.”
Chua also said that 28.6 million have registered for Step 2 where a visit to the registration center is required to provide fingerprints and iris scans. He added that 1.5 million citizens have already received their national ID.
“28.6 million naman po ang naka-register na po sa Step 2, ito ‘yung pagdalaw sa registration center sa bawat lalawigan at siyudad at munisipyo para ibigay ‘yung biometrics tulad ng fingerprints or iris scan; at 1.5 million na po ang nakatanggap ng national ID,“ he said.
Chua said they aim to give 50 million to 70 million national IDs before the end of 2021.
In relation to this, he disclosed that there are many benefits of having a national ID. Chua added that 5.2 million individuals have signed up for bank accounts and that the national ID can be used for COVID-19 vaccination registration and distribution.
“Marami po ang benepisyo ng national ID. Ang una po, 5.2 million individuals na po ang nag-sign up for bank accounts. ‘Pag may bank account na po sila, mapapadali na rin ang pagbigay ng ayuda sa susunod. Maaari din pong gamitin ang national ID para sa COVID-19 vaccination registration and distribution.” – bny