TECH NEWS | PH govt rolls out citizen ID app

HID, a worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, has partnered with FMC RESEARCH SOLUTIONS INC., a renowned Philippine Security System Integrator to integrate their goID Software Development Kit (SDK) into the existing eGovPH App to deliver an ISO-compliant mobile national identity for the Philippines. The Super App is set to become the first ISO-compliant digital government platform in Asia and one of the pioneering initiatives globally to seamlessly manage and enhance the entire citizen experience digitally.

Launched by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the eGovPH is a groundbreaking initiative designed to streamline access to various government services, making it a one-stop shop for both national and local government transactions. Offering “unparalleled convenience,” this app empowers Filipinos the ability to store and access their government-issued identity (i.e., digital National ID, PRC ID) and access a suite of government services on their mobile devices, such as PhilHealth, GSIS, PRC, etc. By integrating multiple services into a single platform, the app reduces unnecessary long queuing to apply for IDs and facilitates efficient identity verification, significantly enhancing the overall efficiency and quality of government services.

The digital national ID is a crucial part of the country’s digital transformation. President Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for government departments to work with the DICT to ensure compatibility with the national ID system and directed the DICT to make digital national ID easily accessible for more efficient government services.

Craig Sandness, Senior Vice President and Head of Secure Issuance and Citizen ID Solutions said, “We’re proud that the Philippine Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT) has selected HID to provide its goID SDK to power the underlying security technology for the eGovPH App. “This landmark project not only enhances the operational efficiency of government services but also significantly improves the ease and security with which citizens access and use their IDs. With the adoption of HID’s cutting-edge goID technology platform, the Philippine government is set to deliver innovative, secure, and user-friendly solutions that truly benefit its citizens.”

Leading in smartphone penetration

The government is capitalizing on the country’s accelerating smartphone penetration and usage, with usage predicted to reach 97% by 2029, according to Statista.

“To date, the eGovPH app has reached 6 million downloads, providing users access to their digital national IDs as well as other government services,” Ivan John E. Uy, DICT Secretary said. “This 2024, users will have the higher capability to access and store their government-issued identity documents, the first of which is the national ID.”

The government is targeting 10 million downloads of the eGovPH app in 2024, with the goal of doubling or surpassing that number by 2025. The app now allows users to conveniently download their digital national IDs. To date, the DICT and PSA have generated 83 million digital national IDs, which are ready for use and can be accessed through the app.

Eventually, the eGovPH app will be able to store personal documents required for various government and private transactions, and these digital documents will be legally recognized, just like physical ones, by relevant institutions.

The importance of compliance

The app is ISO 23220-compliant enabling the mobile IDs to be compatible globally and facilitating seamless verification and acceptance across different platforms and locations worldwide. Filipinos are among the nationalities with the most overseas workers. With approximately 10.2 million Filipinos residing abroad, one of the highest numbers among the world’s overseas workers, the ISO compliance will make the use of the app even more relevant. The level of interoperability underscores the Philippines’ commitment to adopting robust, secure, and universally accepted digital solutions.

“This means that all credentials (mobile ID, or any other digital documents) issued on eGovPH platform can be globally interoperable, that is read, by other countries who are subscribing to the same ISO standards.” said Ivan John E. Uy, DICT Secretary.

Citizen-centric Super App

In addition to storing government-issued IDs, the app allows Filipino citizens to access essential government services such as business registration, tax payments and social security benefits. It integrates outbound and inbound travel declarations, reducing paperwork and delivering a seamless experience. It even simplifies the process of SIM card registration.
Underpinned by HID’s goID technology platform, the eGovPH App is able to perform verification, supported by strong security layers around the wallet, and backed up by selected means of authentication (e.g. face ID, fingerprints, PIN) to access the wallet.

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