PSA completes the Task Force Training for PhilSys Step 1 registration

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) conducted an online training program for registration officers throughout September 2020 in preparation for the upcoming conduct of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Step 1 registration. This involves door-to-door collection of demographic data, and setting of appointment schedule for the Step 2 registration where biometric information will be captured at registration centers. Specifically, nine million individuals will undergo the Step 1. Out of these individuals, at least five million low-income household heads will be scheduled for the Step 2 registration. The PhilSys Task Force Training (TFT) was organized in three batches to include the PSA Regional Statistical Services Offices (RSSOs), and Provincial Statistical Offices (PSOs) of the 32 target provinces where PhilSys will be implemented this year.

The TFT aimed to familiarize all members of the PhilSys task force with the Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act, its implementation plan, and the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Through this training, the task force was equipped with necessary skills needed for the systems and processes in Step 1 registration, and enabled them to be prepared for field operations to ensure that health and safety protocols will be followed.

Regional Directors, Chief Statisticians of PSOs, and PhilSys focal persons were also invited to ensure smooth cascading of policies and guidelines from the central office to regional and provincial levels.

In light of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the training program was conducted online to mitigate health risks with assistance from Technopoly Incorporated. Each training room was facilitated by PSA Central Office officials who are members of PSA’s Quality Assurance Team (QAT).

PSA Undersecretary Dennis S. Mapa expressed his gratitude and provided encouragement to the participants of the training program. “Kayo po ay magsisilbing ambassadors [ng PSA] at ang isang hamon sa inyo bilang ambassadors ay ang aktibong paglahok sa mga diskusyon [tungkol sa PhilSys]. Batid ko ang inyong sakripisyo at malalim na pang-unawa sa pagpapatupad ng PhilSys sa kabila ng COVID-19pandemic, kaya naman taos puso ko kayong pinasasalamatan at sinusuportahan.”, he said.

Usec. Mapa further commended all PSA Field Offices for their relentless efforts that greatly contribute to PSA’s solid, responsive, and world-class services. “Kung ihahalintulad natin ang PhilSys sa isang sasakyan, kayo, ang ating mga taga-Regional at Provincial Offices, ang magsisilbing makina upang mapanatili at masigurong tumatakbo ang ating PhilSys patungo sa tagumpay ng ating iisang mithiin.”

After the TFT, the PSA fully trained around 5,000 supervisors and enumerators to conduct the Step 1 registration through the provincial level trainings. Meanwhile, around 9,000 registration personnel for the Step 2 will be trained in November 2020.

The PSA prioritized the registration of low-income household heads in order to provide them with a PhilSys Number (PSN) as formal identification that can be digitally verified. Thus, the PhilSys will help low-income families open bank accounts, receive remittances, and generate credit history. This will open new economic opportunities and make low-income families less vulnerable to informal lending practices that charge exorbitant interest rates and allow faster distribution of future government subsidies.

PhilSys also aims to improve the lives of Filipinos by making transactions with the government simple, safe, secure, and seamless, while preserving privacy and enabling a shift to online service delivery as a resilient digital society.

For further information and official announcements, visit the PhilSys website (www.psa.gov.ph/philsys) or the PhilSys Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PSAPhilSysOfficial/).

-PhilSys Registry Office