PSA, DICT, and GCash Initiate National ID eVerify Integration Pilot Test

 

In a bid to enhance financial inclusion and the digitalization agenda of the Philippines, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have partnered with #GCash for a pilot test of the National ID eVerify platform.

This initiative, spearheaded by the PSA and the DICT, is designed to offer a secure and seamless method for government agencies and private sector partners to authenticate their customers’ identities.

For financial institutions like GCash, this platform can expedite and secure the know-your-customer (KYC) process by providing a reliable way to verify the identity of potential customers. This reduces the need for physical requirements and accelerates the account opening process.

With the National ID eVerify, organizations can effectively prevent document fraud and ensure that the civil registry documents presented by individuals are authentic and issued by the PSA.

 

“Trust and security form the foundation of our services at GCash. By securing our services through a centralized authentication process, we can verify the legitimacy of all our users through the National ID. This positions us to better promote financial inclusion for more Filipinos when we have safer financial platforms,” stated Ren-Ren Reyes, President and CEO of GCash mobile wallet operator, G-Xchange, Inc.

Reyes further added, “This opportunity to continue collaborating with the PSA and the DICT not only allows us to enhance the user experience but also contributes to the Philippine government’s digitalization agenda.”

Reyes pointed out that IDs issued through the PSA’s Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), including PhilIDs and ePhilIDs, are already among the most frequently presented valid IDs for GCash account verification.

Undersecretary Dennis Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General of the PSA, stated, “The Philippine Statistics Authority remains committed to registering all Filipinos within the National ID system, ensuring our unwavering dedication to providing a unified National identification system to all our kababayans.”

David Almirol Jr., Undersecretary for e-Government at the DICT, mentioned that GCash’s crucial participation in the pilot tests will result in more efficient and responsive systems.

“The National eVerify will streamline and enhance our operations in the government. This will amplify and simplify private and government consumption. If we can implement this effectively with the assistance of both the private and government sectors, the digital transformation in the Philippines will become a reality. Efficient services will be delivered to the Filipino people. No more long queues in government offices. Filipinos can now process documents and apply for private and government services from the comfort of their homes,” he said.

Frederick D. Go, Secretary and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA), also noted that this initiative marks the beginning of a strategic partnership with PSA, DICT, and GCash as they share the goal of providing essential assistance to the country’s most vulnerable communities. He said, “The digital National ID is a beacon of hope - a reminder that even the most ambitious dreams can become reality when we work together towards a common goal.”

Currently, GCash is working closely with the PSA and the DICT to ensure seamless integration with the eVerify platform.

FAQs

1. What is the National ID eVerify platform?

   • The National ID eVerify platform is an initiative led by the PSA and the DICT to provide a secure and seamless way for government agencies and private sector partners to authenticate their customers’ identities.

2. How does the National ID eVerify platform benefit financial institutions like GCash?

   • The platform can facilitate a faster and more secure know-your-customer (KYC) process, as it provides a reliable method to verify the identity of potential customers.

3. Who is Ren-Ren Reyes?

   • Ren-Ren Reyes is the President and CEO of GCash mobile wallet operator, G-Xchange, Inc.

4. What are PhilIDs and ePhilIDs?

   • PhilIDs and ePhilIDs are IDs issued through the PSA’s Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) and are among the most commonly presented valid IDs for GCash account verification.

5. What is the role of the DICT in the National ID eVerify platform?

   • The DICT, along with the PSA, leads the initiative of the National ID eVerify platform. They aim to provide a secure and seamless method for government agencies and private sector partners to authenticate their customers’ identities.