05 March 2025– Guimaras. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Guimaras Provincial Statistical Office continuously ensured an inclusive National ID registration in 2025 by welcoming senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) and successfully registered a 101-year-old centenarian— the oldest registrant so far in the early months of the year.

“This initiative of PSA Guimaras demonstrates its commitment to accessibility and guarantees that every Guimarasnon, regardless of age or mobility, has access to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys)," said Provincial Statistics Officer Nelida B. Losare.

From January to February 2025, PSA Guimaras successfully registered 79 senior citizens and 35 PWDs under the PhilSys program. Among them was the centenarian Susana Gallarde Garmay, a 101-year-old from Brgy. Igang, Nueva Valencia.

The dedication of PSA Gumaras to include even the oldest members of the community in the National ID program resulted in the successful registration of Mrs. Garmay, who personally visited the PhilSys Guimaras Fixed Registration Center on February 28, 2025, with the assistance of a family member.

Losare emphasized that PSA-Guimaras continues implementing registration initiatives to address mobility challenges faced by seniors and PWDs, allowing easier access to the PhilSys Step 2 registration process without requiring extensive travel.

She also highlighted the importance of ensuring accessibility for PWDs.

“Some PWDs were catered through house-to-house mobile registration, while others were accompanied by their families to the FRC. This approach guarantees that every eligible individual, regardless of mobility limitations, has an opportunity to obtain their National ID,” Losare said.

Losare also expounded that the National ID provides our senior citizens and PWDs with a more convenient way to access government services, pension benefits, and financial transactions.

“By prioritizing their registration, we are fostering a more inclusive and accessible identification system,” Losare said.

PSA Guimaras also conducted information campaigns in partnership with local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders, to educate the elderlies, PWDs, and their families about the benefits of the National ID.

Meanwhile, senior citizens, PWDs, and their families are encouraged to participate in the upcoming registration schedules. Registrants must bring necessary documents, such as a birth certificate or other valid proof of identity, to facilitate smooth processing.

"Through this initiative, PSA-Guimaras reinforces its commitment to making the National ID system accessible to all, ensuring that even the oldest and most vulnerable members of the community are not left behind,” Losare said.