Sample ofPhilippine Identification card or the national ID (File photo) DAVAO CITY - The Philippines is now at par with countries which have adopted the national identification system. In a recent post, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Philippine Identification System (PhilSys)-registered Filipinos can now access assistance during medical emergencies as the national ID,otherwise known asthe Philippine Identification (PhilID), allows easy tracking of medical records and health information. "The national ID can also be used for better targeting for social and health services," the PSA said. In terms of education, the non-expiring national ID also has several benefits. Student Grace Nardo said in a recent interview that she applied for a national ID since it will be useful once she begins her scholarship application. "I am eyeing to apply for a scholarship so I can pursue my studies given the costly tuition fees," Nardo said. Paperless transactions or the start of the digital generation will also progress under PhilSys. As of December 11, a total of 50,014,382 Filipinos have completed the PhilSys registration process. The Philippine Postal Corporation will deliver all physical cards free of charge. Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens. The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts. It also seeks to boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government agencies where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. (PNA) }