The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is urging residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) to secure their Digital National ID through the eGovPH app, following survey results showing widespread smartphone use in the region.
According to the 2024 National Information and Communications Technology Household Survey (NICTHS), 90.6 percent of individuals aged 10 and above in NCR own a smartphone.
The survey, which tracks access to and usage of information and communications technology (ICT), provides critical data for monitoring digital inclusion and shaping ICT policies.
PSA undersecretary Dennis S. Mapa emphasized the importance of the findings, noting that the proliferation of smartphones can accelerate the adoption of digital identification.
“With so many smartphone owners in NCR, more Filipinos can easily and conveniently access a valid and sufficient proof of identity like the Digital National ID,” Mapa said.
“We encourage all registered persons with a smartphone to seize this opportunity to have a valid proof of identity they can access anytime for any transaction.”
The Digital National ID is available free of charge through the eGovPH app. Users need only create an account and complete a quick verification process, which includes a live selfie, to activate their digital credential.
The ID is accepted for a range of transactions, including requests for civil registry documents, processing of late birth registrations, and account verification for mobile wallets such as GCash and Asia United Bank’s HelloMoney app.
To further demonstrate its utility, the government recently offered free rides on Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) every Wednesday in August to holders of the National ID, including the digital version.
