Assessing the Implementation of Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Act in Sorsogon City, Philippines

This study sought to determine the status of the registration rate, registration centers, PHLPost delivery, and ePhilID distribution in Sorsogon City. It also determined the views of the implementers and registrants on the implementation of the act in Sorsogon City. The study employed a documentary analysis and qualitative research method which analyzed documentary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority Sorsogon Provincial Office, and qualitative insights gathered through unstructured interviews, wherein an interview guide question has been utilized to gather the needed data from the five implementers from PSA Sorsogon Provincial Office, who were directly involved in the registration process within Sorsogon City. Additionally, fifteen registrants aged 18 years and over from Barangay Macabog were interviewed to capture their insights. The findings revealed significant progress in registration rates, attributed to proactive strategies like mobile and school-based registrations that effectively reached geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. While the registration process was generally efficient, substantial challenges were identified in the delivery of physical PhilID cards by PHLPost, characterized by lengthy delays and an ineffective tracking system, negatively impacting public trust. The introduction of the ePhilID or the National ID in paper form served as a timely solution, offering immediate access to the benefits of PhilSys registration and demonstrating successful initial use. However, past issues with the acceptance of the physical National ID have created some hesitancy among registrants regarding its validity and functionality, and due to limited knowledge of the National ID. The study concludes that while Sorsogon City has made strides in PhilSys registration through accessible and community-based approaches, addressing the inefficiencies in ID delivery and ensuring widespread awareness and acceptance of both physical and digital National IDs are essential for the program's long-term success and the realization of its intended benefits. The findings led to the proposal of a P.H.I.L.S.Y.S booklet to be used for the information dissemination campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of the National ID.