GUIHULNGAN CITY, Negros Oriental — Residents of Guihulngan City have six days to register for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) National ID free of charge, with registration scheduled from June 1 to 6, 2026, at the Mega Market building on the city's main commercial strip. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which administers the national ID program, has designated the second floor of the Mega Market as the registration venue, operating on a per-barangay schedule from Monday to Friday, with Saturday, June 6, set as an open day for all barangays regardless of assignment.
The activity brings the national ID registration process directly into the community, reducing the need for residents to travel to distant registration centers. Registrants are advised to arrive on the day assigned to their barangay and to carry complete and accurate personal information and supporting documents.
Per-Barangay Registration Schedule at Mega Market, 2nd Floor
The PSA and local government have organized the six-day registration drive according to a specific barangay grouping per day. The schedule is as follows:
- June 1 (Sunday): Sandayao, Tinayunan Hill, Binobohan, Tacpao, Calamba, Malusay, Luz
- June 2 (Monday): P. Zamora, Imelda, Bulado, Hilaitan, Balogo, Bakid, Humay-Humay
- June 3 (Tuesday): Mani-ak, Hibaiyo, Nagsaha, Magsaysay, Hinakpan, Planas, Plagatasanon
- June 4 (Wednesday): Trinidad, Mabunga, Linantuyan, Villegas, Banwague, Tinayunan Beach, Calupa-an
- June 5 (Thursday): Mckinley, Poblacion, Buenavista, Basak, Kagawasan
- June 6 (Friday/Open Day): All barangays — no barangay assignment required
Residents who are unable to appear on their assigned day are encouraged to attend on June 6, the open day, when no barangay restriction applies. The PSA has not indicated whether appointments are needed, and registration is on a walk-in basis at the designated venue.
What Documents to Bring to the Registration Site
Registration is entirely free of charge. However, applicants must bring the originals of their supporting documents along with one photocopy of each as a backup. The PSA follows a primary-and-secondary document hierarchy to verify identity.
An applicant who holds any one of the following primary documents needs only present that single item:
- A PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth, presented together with one government-issued ID bearing a front-facing photograph and either a signature or thumbmark
- A Philippine Passport or ePassport issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
- A Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) issued by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) or the Social Security System (SSS)
- A driver's license or student permit issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
Applicants who do not possess any of these primary documents may instead present any two secondary documents, each of which must show the applicant's photograph, full name, address, and date of birth. Acceptable secondary documents include a barangay ID or barangay certification, voter's ID, PhilHealth ID, postal ID, school or company ID, or an NBI or police clearance.
Bringing original documents and one clear photocopy of each is strongly advised to avoid being turned away at the registration desk.
How the Registration Process Works on the Day
According to the PSA, PhilSys registration is completed in a single in-person visit. PSA staff will record the applicant's demographic information and then capture biometric data — a front-facing photograph, all ten fingerprints, and an iris scan — for applicants aged five years and older.
Children between the ages of one and four years are also eligible for registration. For this age group, registration captures a photograph and basic demographic information, which is then linked to the record of a parent or legal guardian.
Upon completing registration, each applicant receives a transaction slip containing a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). This number allows applicants to track the status of their National ID. The digital version of the National ID can be accessed through the eGovPH mobile application, while the physical PhilID card is subsequently delivered by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) directly to the applicant's registered home address.
Republic Act 11055 and the Legal Basis of PhilSys
The PhilSys program is established under Republic Act No. 11055, known as the Philippine Identification System Act, which was signed into law on August 6, 2018. The law mandates the PSA to design, implement, and manage the country's single, unified national identification system.
Under the Act, every registered Filipino citizen and resident alien is issued a randomly generated, unique, and permanent 12-digit PhilSys Number (PSN). The PSN serves as the individual's lifelong identifier within the national system and is embedded in the physical PhilID card and the digital ID.
While enrollment in PhilSys is not compulsory, the national government strongly encourages all Filipinos to register. Under the law and subsequent executive issuances, the National ID is recognized as sufficient standalone proof of identity and age for transactions with government agencies, private institutions, banks, and other service providers. The system is designed to simplify bureaucratic requirements, strengthen financial inclusion among underserved populations, and improve access to government social services.
Registration Is Free — PSA Warns Against Fixers
The PSA has consistently reminded the public that PhilSys registration carries no fee at any point in the process. Applicants are cautioned not to pay any individual or group claiming to facilitate registration for a fee, as such individuals are not authorized by the agency. Any facilitation fee demanded in connection with PhilSys registration should be reported to the PSA or local authorities.
The PhilSys mobile registration drive in Guihulngan City is part of the PSA's ongoing effort to reach unregistered Filipinos across municipalities and cities, particularly those in areas where fixed registration centers may not be readily accessible.
Reminders Before Heading to the Mega Market
Residents planning to register are advised to check the barangay schedule carefully before proceeding to the Mega Market to avoid unnecessary waiting or being directed to return on another day. The second floor of the Mega Market is the designated registration area for the entire duration of the six-day activity.
Specific registration hours for the Guihulngan City site have not been officially confirmed in the available announcement. Most PSA mobile registration drives operate from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but residents are encouraged to verify with the Guihulngan City local government unit (LGU) or barangay officials for the exact daily schedule before heading to the venue. It is also advisable to confirm with the LGU whether a barangay certification is required as an additional entry requirement at the registration site.
Residents who have already registered under PhilSys in previous drives are no longer required to re-register. Those who registered previously but have not yet received their physical PhilID card may use their TRN to check delivery status through the PSA or PHLPost.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)