Catanduanes Reaches 92.7% National ID Registration

As of 31 December 2024, Catanduanes has achieved an impressive 92.7% registration rate, with 260,936 individuals registered out of the projected population of 281,381. This significant milestone highlights the dedicated efforts of the PSA in ensuring that nearly all residents of Catanduanes are registered. The overall goal of the PSA is to achieve complete coverage and provide every individual with a National ID.

Catanduanes Sees 98% Growth in Registration in 2024

Catanduanes achieved an impressive 98% growth in registration in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2023, 10,471 individuals were registered, whereas in 2024, the number rose to 20,780. This significant increase highlights the successful efforts of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in enhancing outreach programs, increasing accessibility through mobile registration units, and collaborating with local government units and community leaders. The introduction of biometric exemptions also played a crucial role in facilitating the registration process. The "Rehistro Bulilit" campaign, along with mobile and house-to-house registration initiatives, significantly contributed to this success.

Bagamanoc Stood Out in National ID Registration

Among the municipalities, Bagamanoc stands out with an exceptional registration rate of 98.8%, registering 10,479 out of its 10,605 projected population, leaving only 126 individuals unregistered. Bato follows closely with a 97.2% registration rate, registering 21,526 out of 22,151 individuals, which signifies the successful efforts to include nearly all residents. Pandan has also demonstrated strong performance with a 95.6% registration rate, registering 21,320 out of 22,310 individuals, leaving 990 unregistered. Similarly, Gigmoto and San Miguel have achieved registration rates of 95.3% and 93.9%, respectively, indicating effective outreach and community engagement strategies.

However, some municipalities like Caramoran and Panganiban have room for improvement with registration rates of 89.7% each, leaving 3,500 and 1,035 individuals unregistered, respectively.

Baras and San Andres have commendable registration rates of 93.4% and 92.5%, respectively, indicating steady progress towards complete coverage. Viga, with a 90.3% registration rate, has registered 21,644 out of 23,959 individuals, leaving 2,315 unregistered. Virac, the largest municipality, has a registration rate of 91.7%, with 72,506 individuals registered out of a projected population of 79,030, leaving 6,524 unregistered. Continued efforts in these municipalities are crucial to achieving full registration. (Table 2)

Leading Barangays in National ID Registration

The National ID registration in Catanduanes reveals significant participation across various barangays. The top three barangays with the highest registrations are all located in Virac: San Isidro Village leads with 5,022 registrants, followed by Cavinitan with 3,834, and Calatagan Proper with 3,097. Other notable barangays include Tubli in Caramoran with 3,060 registrants and Bigaa in Virac with 3,007. In San Andres, Manambrag and Cabcab have 2,936 and 2,854 registrants, respectively. Meanwhile, Cabugao in Bato has 2,907 registrants, Toytoy in Caramoran has 2,731, and Mayngaway in San Andres has 2,456.

Over 11,479 children below 5 years old were National ID Registered

Since 12 February 2024, a total of 11,286 children aged 1 to 4 years old have been registered, and 193 children below 1 year old have been registered since 21 November 2024. As of 31 December 2024, the total number of registered children below 5 years old in Catanduanes is 11,479. The largest concentration of these registrations comes from the capital municipality of Catanduanes, Virac, leading the count for the 1 to 4-year-old age group at 3,162.

The data also indicates variations among municipalities, with some areas, like San Andres and Caramoran, showing a higher registration compared to others. Efforts are ongoing to register this age group, ensuring that all young children in Catanduanes are covered by the National ID system.

The 92.7% growth in PhilSys registration in Catanduanes in 2024 is a testament to the PSA’s adaptive strategies, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity. With this momentum, the province is well on its way to achieving 100% coverage, ensuring that every Catandunganon enjoys the benefits of a unified and secure identification system. The PSA remains steadfast in its mission to make national identification accessible, efficient, and inclusive for all.