To enhance accessibility and broaden the avenues for beneficiaries to receive social assistance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is intensifying its campaign to encourage Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries to register for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez announced on Monday that this initiative stems from a robust collaboration between the 4Ps National Program Management Office (NPMO) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
“It would benefit both the DSWD and its clients as the features of the ID enable faster eligibility checks and digital payments, hence, providing better and multiple access points for beneficiaries to receive social assistance,” said Lopez.
As of January 31 this year, data indicate that over 4 million out of 24.4 million 4Ps individual members are already registered to the PhilSys, but only 1 million 4Ps members have their PhilSys Card Numbers (PCN).
“The DSWD aims to significantly increase this number to ensure a smoother and more inclusive social assistance delivery system,” he added.
In line with Section 3 of Republic Act No. 11055 or the PhilSys Act, the program envisions a future where Filipinos can utilize a single secure ID for government and private transactions, eliminating the need for multiple identification documents.
Lopez said a memorandum issued by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian in January 2024, emphasizing the registration of 4Ps household members and their children aged five and above.
“Notably, efforts are underway to extend registration to include children under five years old, pending approval of guidelines,” the DSWD spokesperson said.
Existing grantees and household members who registered with PSA before February 1, 2024, can avail themselves of the Family Development Sessions (FDS) equivalency.
However, they must undergo identity verification through a biometric authentication process using the PhilSys Authentication Application, which includes providing the PhilSys Card Number and undergoing a fingerprint scan.