Nearly all households in National Capital Region now have access to smartphones, and the Philippine Statistics Authority wants residents to put that connectivity to use by activating their Digital National ID.
Smartphone ownership in Metro Manila has reached more than 90%, according to the 2024 National Information and Communications Technology Household Survey.
The survey, conducted by PSA, measures household and individual access to information and communications technology, helping track digital inclusion and guide policy on ICT development.
PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, PhD said, “With many smartphone owners in NCR, more Filipinos can easily and conveniently access valid proof of identity such as the Digital National ID”.
Mapa urged all registered persons with smartphones to make use of the digital credential, calling it a secure and accessible form of identification. “Your Digital National ID is ready to be accessed. We encourage everyone to seize the opportunity to have a valid proof of identity on their smartphones, which they can access anytime for any transaction,” he added.
The Digital National ID is available through the eGovPH app, which allows users to register, create an account, and generate the digital ID with a live selfie feature. It is accepted as valid identification for various government and private transactions, including requests for civil registry documents and late birth registration.
Private sector partners have also integrated the digital ID into their services. Mobile wallets GCash and Asia United Bank’s HelloMoney app now accept it for account verification, enabling users to fully access financial services.
Holders of both physical and digital National IDs were offered free rides on the MRT-3 and LRT-2 every Wednesday in August, except August 6 for LRT-2. On that day alone, 25,173 National ID holders availed of free rides on the MRT-3.
