PSA-Negros Initiates National ID Registration for Children Under Five

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Negros Oriental has launched a registration campaign for the national identification program targeted at children below five years old. This initiative began last week and aims to incorporate newborns, infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers into the national ID system.

According to Philippines News Agency, the chief Statistical Analyst and provincial head of PSA-Negros, the agency has set a goal to register at least 200,000 children in this age group. Despite the logistical challenges, including reaching remote areas, Fortuito expressed optimism for achieving an 80 to 90 percent registration turnout. The registration process requires the presence of parents or guardians, who need to present their PhilSys ID and an authorization letter for guardians, while a birth certificate is required for the children.

Fortuito detailed the varied modes of registration designed to accommodate the specific needs of this demographic, including mobile units, ‘on wheels’ services, and static stations situated in accessible locations such as daycare centers, barangays, and malls. The PSA has also extended its outreach by deploying staff to various local government units (LGUs) across the region.

In addition to child registration, the PSA-Negros has played a significant role in facilitating ‘Kasalan ng Bayan’ or mass weddings, collaborating with LGUs to provide essential documents like birth certificates and certificates of no marriage for couples. This service, sometimes offered for free, is part of the agency’s celebration of Civil Registration Month in February. Mass weddings have already been conducted in several towns and cities, with another scheduled in Manjuyod town this week.