Coordinating with our Barangay made our PhilSys ID appointment so much easier at Robinson’s Otis last July 19, 2021. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written by

Jude Bautista

April 30, 2021 was the launch of the PhilSys – Philippine Identification System website. And was deluged by applications. Because of this it was marred by glitches. The website crashed temporarily as they were overwhelmed by the people logging on – 46,000 in one day. From Rappler: Phl Govt Apology Natn’l ID Registration Glitches

Although the website was restored, there were also problems with the actual in person registration. This is where the biometrics of the applicants were gathered. From May 20, 2021 report by GMA Network: Nat’l ID Registration in Bulacan Swarmed By Public

These were growing pains that PhilSys had to experience in order to iron out the kinks in the system. And fix it they did. The PSA has reported that 16.12 million applicants have advanced to the second step. This involves the capture of biometric data: iris scans, fingerprint scans and front facing photographs.  A total of 1 million ID cards have been printed out and are ready to be shipped to registrants since July 7.

Coordinating with our Barangay made our PhilSys ID appointment so much easier at Robinson’s Otis last July 19, 2021. Photo by Jude Bautista

Pleasant and Easy

Our own experience with the Philsys National ID system was surprisingly pleasant and easy last July 19, 2021 at Robinson Otis. This was because of our proactive Barangay officials led by Chairman Geraldine Sia. We live in the Paco district, of Manila. I was able to accompany my mother, household help and other staff.

A week before we were given forms to fill out with an appointment date. There was also a designated time in the morning: 11am to 12 noon for submission of forms and biometric gathering. We made sure to go earlier than the appointed time. Other applicants were given their own hours and dates, presumably.

When we arrived at the 2^nd floor of Robinsons Otis, there were 4 rows of plastic chairs that were unoccupied. A qualified PHILSYS staff was there to immediately assist, directing us where to go.

Coordinating with our Barangay made our PhilSys ID appointment so much easier at Robinson’s Otis last July 19, 2021. Photo by Jude Bautista

In less than 15 minutes we were done. Scanning of biometrics (eyes, fingerprints, ID photo and all). Claim receipts were printed out and we were out the door. ‘Make sure to not lose the claim receipt as it is required when the ID is delivered’, we were told.

Coordinating with our Barangay made our PhilSys ID appointment so much easier at Robinson’s Otis last July 19, 2021. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ask Your Barangay

SO, the secret to having an easier and pleasant experience with the National ID system is coordinating with your Barangay. They will be able to tell you when, where to go for it. They may be able to give you a slot for the biometric phase and the necessary forms.

Make sure to bring any of the necessary documents as well: Driver’s License, Passport, SSS UMID – Unified Multipurpose ID and PSA Issued Birth Certificate. Other accepted IDs and documents are listed below.

Coordinating with our Barangay made our PhilSys ID appointment so much easier at Robinson’s Otis last July 19, 2021. Photo by Jude Bautista

IF it happens in a clean, comfortable and organized mall like Robinsons Otis, so much the better. This was our experience. Just in case you already missed it, Barangay officials may also help you find other schedules. Or an alternative place / venue you can go to. On our appointment date there were only a total of 5 barangays for that day.

That may have been the reason why there weren’t thousands of people getting registered all at the same time. The exact hour of appointment, spread out for applicants can also be credited for this.

Coordinating with our Barangay made our PhilSys ID appointment so much easier at Robinson’s Otis last July 19, 2021. Photo by Jude Bautista

Why do I need the PHILSYS ID?

First of all, it’s free. There are wide uses for the National ID varying from receiving government aid (ayuda) to opening a bank account. LANDBANK has a tie up with the PSA, which facilitates the opening of an account honoring the validity of the National ID. Other banks are also prescribed by law to do the same. But the ease of doing so naturally, varies.

Convenience is also another reason. Instead of carrying different government issued IDs like SSS UMID, Driver’s License etc. the National ID is and will be accepted as requirement. An example would be receiving and sending funds through remittance services like Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express. Other government agencies like PHLPost will also accept the PhilSys or PhlID card as valid proof of identification.

It also allows for a more efficient law enforcement by creating a complete or reliable biometrics database. If you’re not a criminal, then you shouldn’t be worried with getting a National ID.

Robinson’s Otis also has a Lingkod Pinoy Center at the 2nd floor. Government agencies like Philhealth, Phil Post and others are there for the convenience of mall goers.

Go to Barangay, Check the List

There are many youtube videos out there explaining the National ID, benefits and step by step guide. But I find that Senator Bong bong Marcos’ youtube video to be clear and understandable than most He uses simple language in Filipino that a majority of our countrymen will appreciate. If you have friends and family who haven’t gotten their IDs share this link with them to help explain it.

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Again to make your life easier go through the list of required documents below and bring them to your appointment. Assuming you already have a slot, time and place from your Barangay. The list below is from the official Globe website.

For more information and the latest updates, you can also visit the PhilSys official website or like PSA Philippine Identification System on Facebook.

(11) photo from official Philsys fb:
https://www.facebook.com/PSAPhilSysOfficial

What should I bring to my appointment?

Eligible registrants must bring any of the following primary documents:

• DFA-issued Philippine Passport or ePassport
• GSIS or SSS-issued Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card (UMID)
• Land Transportation Office (LTO)-issued Student’s License Permit or Non-Professional/Professional Driver’s License
• PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth and one (1) government-issued identification document which bears your full name, front-facing photograph and your signature or thumb mark

photo from official Philsys fb:
https://www.facebook.com/PSAPhilSysOfficial

If the above documents are unavailable, Filipino registrants can bring any of the following secondary documents:

• PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth/NSO-issued Certificate of Live Birth with Birth Reference Number (BreN)
• LCRO-issued Certificate of Live Birth
• PSA-issued Report of Birth
• PSA-issued Certificate of Foundling
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Identification Card
• Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
• Seaman’s Book
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
• Senior Citizen’s ID
• SSS ID
• Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ID
• License to Own or Possess Firearms (LTOPF) ID
• NBI Clearance
• Police Clearance/ID
• Solo Parent’s ID
• PWD ID
• Voter’s ID
• Postal ID
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) ID
• Philhealth ID
• Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)-issued Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
• National ID from other countries
• Residence ID from other countries

(13) Coordinating with our Barangay made our PhilSys ID appointment so much easier at Robinson’s Otis last July 19, 2021. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Coordinating with our Barangay made our PhilSys ID appointment so much easier at Robinson’s Otis last July 19, 2021. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Robinson’s Otis also has a Lingkod Pinoy Center at the 2nd floor. Government agencies like Philhealth, Phil Post and others are there for the convenience of mall goers.

(17) Robinson’s Otis also has a Lingkod Pinoy Center at the 2nd floor. Government agencies like Philhealth, Phil Post and others are there for the convenience of mall goers.

WordPress:

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(19) Coordinating with our Barangay made our PhilSys ID appointment so much easier at Robinson’s Otis last July 19, 2021. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ , http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/  , /

Robinson’s Otis also has a Lingkod Pinoy Center at the 2nd floor. Government agencies like Philhealth, Phil Post and others are there for the convenience of mall goers.

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ , http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/  , /

Robinson’s Otis also has a Lingkod Pinoy Center at the 2nd floor. Government agencies like Philhealth, Phil Post and others are there for the convenience of mall goers.

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ , http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/  , /

Coordinating with our Barangay made our PhilSys ID appointment so much easier at Robinson’s Otis last July 19, 2021. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ , http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/  , /