Senior citizens are stepping into the heart of the country’s digital transformation, as the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) officially launched the digital National Senior Citizens ID (NSCID) last August 15, as shared in a report by the Philippine Information Agency.
The initiative, part of the Marcos administration’s broader digitalization agenda, makes the NSCID available through the eGovPH app, the Philippines’ flagship mobile platform for unified government services. The move highlights a shift from physical IDs to a secure, digital identification system, giving seniors easier access to entitlements, discounts, and healthcare services while minimizing the hassle of carrying and replacing worn or lost documents.
A Senior’s First-Hand Experience
At 72, Tony Aquino became one of the first senior citizens to try out the new feature on the eGovPH app. Like many in his generation, Aquino initially faced challenges setting up his account, but with the help of DICT personnel, he was soon navigating the app smoothly.
“Happy ako at excited. Para pag nakalimutan namin yung mga IDs namin, nandiyan lang sa cellphone, papakita na lang para hindi mahirapan,” Aquino said, reflecting the relief and excitement many seniors feel about the new system.
For first-time senior citizens, the process is even simpler. Their digital IDs will automatically appear in the app, removing the need to physically submit documents to local government units.
Also read: Senior Citizen ID: Benefits, Uses, and How to Apply
Government’s Push for Inclusion
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda stressed that the project is not just about convenience but also about inclusivity. “Utos po ng Presidente sa amin, hindi lang kalinga ang kailangang ibigay sa senior citizens, kundi oportunidad na maging bahagi po kayo ng digital world,” Aguda said.
The integration of the NSCID into eGovPH aligns with the government’s vision of a digitally empowered nation where all Filipinos—regardless of age—can access services without barriers.
NCSC Chairperson Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche echoed this sentiment, assuring senior citizens that their welfare remains the commission’s top priority. “Kami po ay nagbibigay-pugay sa inyong lahat. At nagbibigay ng assurance na kung ano ang makakabuti sa inyo, ‘yan po ay aming gagawin,” Loreche emphasized.
The eGovPH Advantage
The eGovPH app, available on both Google Play and the Apple Store, serves as a one-stop shop for government services. It aims to unify procedures across agencies, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and improve efficiency. Supported by several Republic Acts, the app also promotes transparency, reduces opportunities for corruption, and enhances ease of doing business.
For senior citizens, the NSCID is just the beginning. The app is expected to expand further, offering more integrated services designed to improve everyday lives.
A Digital Milestone for Seniors
By rolling out the NSCID through eGovPH, the government underscores its pledge to leave no one behind in the digital era. For many seniors like Tony Aquino, it is not just about having an ID on their phone—it is about being seen, valued, and included in a society that is moving rapidly into a digital future.
As the country continues its digital transformation, the digital senior citizens’ ID stands as a milestone, blending innovation with inclusivity, and ensuring that age is never a barrier to progress.