PhilSys-registered Rosario Trocino and granddaughter Princess Megan Trocino from Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City. (PSA photo)
A heartwarming tale of empowerment and gratitude unfolds as Rosario Trocino, a senior citizen and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary, embraces the transformative power of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).
The 4Ps is a conditional cash transfer program and a vital poverty alleviation program of the Marcos administration.
Accompanied by her granddaughter, Princess Megan, their journey towards inclusivity and access to essential government services took a significant stride forward during their latest Family Development Session (FDS) in Barangay Bahay Toro in Quezon City.
Rosario, a homemaker whose life has been shaped by the challenges of poverty, has, for a time, been a beneficiary of the 4Ps program, a vital lifeline that has provided her family with much-needed support.
However, the introduction of PhilSys has ushered in a new era of hope and empowerment, one that promises to break down barriers and unlock a world of opportunities.
During the FDS, an integral component of the 4Ps program designed to strengthen the capacities of beneficiary families, the Lola and Apo tandem seized the opportunity to register for PhilSys.
With a genuine smile and a sense of relief, Rosario expressed her gratitude, "Mabilis naman po ang registration [process]. Kailangan ko po ito dahil senior [citizen] na po ako." (The registration process was smooth. I need this because I am now a senior citizen.)
The availability of PhilSys services at the FDS is part of the continued partnership between the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in utilizing PhilSys for social protection programs.
The move aims to provide every Filipino with a unique and secure identification system. By registering, individuals receive a PhilSys Number (PSN), a permanent identification number, as well as a physical PhilID card and an ePhilID – all valid proofs of identity that can unlock access to a wide range of government services and social protection programs.
For Rosario and countless other Filipinos at-risk, the significance of PhilSys transcends mere identification; it represents a gateway to a better life, a tangible symbol of inclusion and recognition in a society that has often left them on the fringes.
Through this partnership between the PSA and DSWD, PhilSys registration has been seamlessly integrated into the FDS, making it more accessible and convenient for 4Ps beneficiaries like Rosario and Princess Megan.
This innovative approach not only streamlines the registration process but also reinforces the government's commitment to prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
The impact of PhilSys extends far beyond the issuance of an ID card. It serves as a catalyst for social inclusion, empowering individuals to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and financial assistance with greater ease and dignity.
For Rosario, this newfound access represents a lifeline, a means to secure a brighter future not only for herself, but her beloved granddaughter, as well.
Moreover, the integration of PhilSys into social protection programs like the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program further underscores its significance.
