Eastern Visayas Hits 100% National ID Target

• Eastern Visayas has surpassed its National ID registration target, enrolling 4.3 million residents by early 2026. The milestone was partly achieved by including newborns as young as one day old.

Ronnie Yanuario 3 months ago 1.6 K

Posted on Feb. 11, 2026 at 12:03 pm

Tacloban City — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region VIII has reported that Eastern Visayas has exceeded its target for National ID registration, with approximately 4.3 million residents enrolled as of early 2026, surpassing the original goal by more than 100% due to population growth in the region.

According to PSA officials, the increase in registrations was partly due to the expanded coverage, which now includes newborns as young as one day old coverage, which now allows the inclusion of newborns as young as one day old. Parents can now register their infants in the National ID system with formal consent.

In addition to surpassing registration targets, Eastern Visayas achieved a significant milestone by integrating the National ID system successfully in Maasin City, making it the first local government unit (LGU) in the region to do so. This accomplishment, completed in 2025, marked Maasin City as the second LGU nationwide to achieve full system integration.

Despite the progress in registration, concerns have been raised about the issuance of physical National ID cards. During a status update on January 30, 2026, National ID Regional Focal Person Marife R. Molon, under the supervision of Regional Director Wilma Perante, clarified that the production of physical cards is currently suspended at the national level.

Molon assured registrants that once card production resumes, the physical cards will be delivered to the addresses provided during registration.

In the meantime, the PSA advised the public to utilize alternative forms of the National ID. The paper-based ID remains valid and must be accepted for all legal and official transactions. Registrants can also access their digital National ID through the eGov application.

However, the PSA reminded users that printing the digital ID is strictly prohibited, although screenshots for storage and presentation are allowed.

PSA Region VIII officials emphasized that registration services and public assistance are still available. They reiterated that despite the delay in physical card issuance, the National ID system is fully operational through its paper and digital formats, enabling registered residents to conduct transactions with government agencies and private institutions.

(Photo courtesy: PSA)