In the wake of recent calamities affecting thousands of Filipinos, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is urging the public to use their National ID to apply for and claim emergency assistance.
National Statistician Dennis Mapa said Friday that the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) is now fully integrated with several key government services, making it easier for disaster-stricken Filipinos to receive immediate help.
“The National ID provides a reliable and unified proof of identity. In urgent times like natural disasters, this allows us to respond faster and avoid duplication of aid,” Mapa said in a statement.
Using the National ID, affected individuals can now apply for financial aid under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). These programs are now linked with Dx-CLOUD, the DSWD’s digital system integrated with the National ID for quicker verification and tracking.
This system not only shortens waiting times but also reduces paperwork and fraudulent claims. Beneficiaries can expect smoother and more transparent transactions.
Meanwhile, those with housing-related concerns can present their National ID when applying for calamity loans or availing of a one-month moratorium on loan payments from agencies like the Social Housing Finance Corporation, National Housing Authority, and Pag-IBIG Fund. Emergency loan applications and insurance claims for property damage can also be processed more efficiently through Pag-IBIG using the National ID.
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in areas declared under a state of calamity may also apply for rehabilitation loans through SBCorp’s Enterprise Rehabilitation Financing. Identity verification via the National ID is accepted through the SBCorp Money app.
Assistant Secretary Rosalinda Bautista of the PSA further emphasized that both public and private institutions must honor the National ID and connect their systems to PhilSys for authentication.
“Through our continued partnerships and system integrations, the National ID is showing its usefulness in real-life emergencies,” Bautista said.
Signed into law in 2018, the PhilSys Act (RA 11055) aims to simplify access to government and private services. The National ID is accepted for enrolling in schools, opening bank accounts, and now—availing of emergency support.
Why This Matters
Disasters leave families with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Having a National ID means not having to bring piles of documents just to ask for help.
If you or someone you know was affected by a recent calamity, check if you already have your National ID. If not, apply at the nearest PSA registration center or visit the official website.
Reminder: The National ID is free of charge. Carry it during emergencies, and keep it safe.