BUTUAN CITY – At least 26,481 children aged 1 to 4 have been registered under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) in the Caraga Region since February this year, the regional Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-13) office said Tuesday.

PSA-13 said children’s registration in the specific age bracket started on Feb. 14.

“The start of the registration was in line with the commitment of the PSA-13 to provide an inclusive, secure and sustainable National Identification System,” the agency said.

Of the region’s five provinces, Agusan del Norte logged the highest number of children’s registration at 10,573, followed by Agusan del Sur with 9,043.

Surigao del Norte had 3,663 registrations among children under the age bracket, followed by Surigao del Sur with 2,514, and Dinagat Islands with 688.

The registration of children is ongoing across the region, the PSA-13 said.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for Filipinos and resident aliens.

The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity and a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and opening of bank accounts.

It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services, where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. (PNA)