The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - Cotabato Province actively participated in the Advocacy Campaign on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) and National ID Registration conducted by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) on February 27, 2025, at Brgy. Manubuan, Matalam, Cotabato. The event gathered over a hundred Muslim Filipinos from the Municipality of Matalam, aiming to raise awareness on the significance of civil registration and the National ID System. 

To emphasize the importance of these initiatives, OIC-PSO Norhayyah A. Tula delivered a message of support, highlighting PSA’s commitment to providing accessible and efficient civil registration services. She also discussed the various programs and services that PSA offers to the public. Additionally, Senior Statistical Specialist Edna A. Alagano provided an insightful overview of Census and Population Statistics and the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), emphasizing their role in policy-making and service delivery. 

Registration Officer II Jenny Pearl C. Junasa, the National ID Focal Person, gave an in-depth update on the National ID System. She discussed the objectives behind the rebranding of the National ID, emphasizing that the change aims to foster wider public acceptance and understanding, as the term ‘National ID’ is more universally recognized. She also highlighted how the National ID serves as a foundational identification system that enables seamless access to government services and financial inclusion.

During the activity, PSA Cotabato provided on-site registration services for individuals who had not yet registered for the National ID, with a special focus on children below five years old. The team also facilitated the issuance of the National ID in paper form (ePhilID) and provided assistance in accessing the digital National ID to those eligible. 

To encourage participation, PSA Cotabato distributed tokens, such as candies and chocolates, to children who successfully registered. The initiative was well received, and a total of 26 individuals successfully availed of the National ID registration services during the event. 

The PSA Cotabato Province remains committed to strengthening public awareness and accessibility of the National ID system, ensuring that all Filipinos, including children and members of the Muslim Filipino community, can benefit from this important national initiative.