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| SM Supermalls now accepts the PhilID card for mall transactions. SM Supermalls also instructed its retail partners and tenants to accept the card as identification. PHOTO: PSA |
SM Supermalls, as one of the key partners of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) initiative, has begun to accept the Philippine Identification (PhilID) card in its SM Business Center services such as foreign currency exchange, remittance services, and credit card transactions. SM Supermalls also instructed its retail partner affiliates and tenants to accept the card as adequate proof of identity.
This is in accordance with the previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and SM Prime Holdings to bring PhilSys closer to the mall-going public.
"the action of SM Groups to accept the PhilID as a valid ID for a financial service they offer is a big leap for PhilSys, as this will achieve our goal of providing easier, safer, and more secure access to services to the public. As we continue to work in solidarity with SM Prime Holdings, we at the PSA, commit to giving Filipinos more convenient access to private and public transactions," said PSA Undersecretary Dennis S. Mapa, Ph.D., National Statistician, and Civil Registrar General.
"The PhilID will boost the efficiency of transacting inside our Mall and retail partners when availing of services and products. Since June 2021, individuals who exchange foreign banknotes through any SM Store branch nationwide have the option to present their PhilID as a single valid identifying document during the transaction," stated SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan.
Furthermore, as part of the MOU, SM Supermalls has opened PhilSys Step 2 registration in certain branches. Registrants may plan an appointment in any of these branches throughout Metro Manila, Luzon, and the Visayas by completing the Step 1 Registration at the official PhilSys online page and arranging a schedule at the accessible locations.
In an advisory dated 19 May 2021, the PSA has asked for the acceptance of the PhilID in all transactions with government organizations and commercial businesses under Republic Act No. 11055, also known as the PhilSys Act. The PhilID is currently accepted in transactions with other PhilSys partner agencies such as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Postal Corporation, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development is launching a pilot program for the use of PhilID in its programs such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Programs (4Ps) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
To stimulate the use of the PhilSys in digital transactions, the PSA plans to launch a mobile version of the PhilID as an alternative to the physical PhilID card. PhilSys advances its goal of transforming the country into a digital economy by giving Filipinos an official identification system that can be confirmed both online and offline.
For the most up-to-date information about PhilSys, go to the official PhilSys website (https://philsys.gov.ph) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PSAPhilSysOfficial/). You can also reach the PhilSys Registry Office by calling 1388 or sending an email to info@philsys.gov.ph. Please go to https://register.philsys.gov.ph for online Step 1 Registration. —Tacloban News Update (Source: PSA/PRESS RELEASE)