MALITA, Davao Occidental (PIA) -- Residents of Davao Occidental expressed their satisfaction with the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) as they shared their personal experience with the beneficial usage of the national identification card, which provides a valid and sufficient proof of identity in transactions.

Marvelous John Sumanday from Jose Abad Santos town also used his PhilID card to claim his allowance from his parents.

Another resident from Malita town, Larabel Capitan used the national ID when registering for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

“Nung nakuha ko ang national ID ko, nagkaroon ako ng valid ID. Nagamit ko ito para sa application ko sa LET ng PRC, at nung may nagpadala sa akin ng pera,” Capitan said.

[When I got my national ID, I finally had a valid ID. I used it to apply for the LET with the PRC, and also when someone sent me money.]

Arjelyn Aguinaldo, a teacher, has applied for life insurance and was able to participate in the barangay election last year using her PhilID card.

Since the start of operation of the PhilSys registration in 2019, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - Davao Occidental has registered a total of 261,698 residents, or 82 percent of the 317,159 population of the province.

Of the registered residents of Davao Occidental, 114,784 are holders of the ePhilID, or the electronic version of the physical PhilID.

He said that as of present, they have not received any complaints from residents about offices or establishments not accepting ePhilID in transactions.

“Even with the printed ePhilID, residents here have been enjoying the benefits of the national ID. And we have not received any complaints, so far,” Madulin stated.

Aurora Rubia, a barangay official from Malita town, verified this, saying, “Nagamit ko ang ePhilID ko sa pagproseso ng mga requirements nung na elect ako sa barangay election.”

[I used my ePhilID to process the requirements when I was elected in the barangay election.]

Another resident, Lovely Rellon, said the ePhilID has been a big help for her. “Hindi ko makukuha ang aking sweldo sa cash for work kung hindi ko nakuha ito (ePhilID). Wala kasi akong ID,” she said,

[I wouldn't be able to receive my wages for cash work if I didn't get this (ePhilID). I didn't have any ID.]

“As of now, we are waiting for the registration system for children from zero to four years old,” he added.

As of December 2023, the capital town of Malita registered the highest number with 100,903, while Jose Abad Santos followed with 58,209.

Sta. Maria has 48,538 PhiloSys-registered residents, while Don Marcelino has 34,687 and Sarangani has 15,530. (CLC/PIADavao)