Philippines launches eGovPH app for digital ID & gov services

The Philippine government has launched a new mobile application, eGovPH, designed to simplify access to various government services and digitised identity documents.

Developed in collaboration with HID and Philippine security system integrator FMC Research Solutions, this application integrates HID's goID Software Development Kit (SDK), making it compliant with ISO standards. This development marks the app as the first ISO-compliant digital government platform in Asia and one of the leading initiatives globally in this domain.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) initiated the eGovPH app to provide Filipinos with a single platform where they can digitally store and access their government-issued identity documents such as the digital National ID and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID. The app also offers services for PhilHealth, GSIS, and other government agencies. By bringing these services under one roof, the app aims to reduce the time citizens spend queuing for IDs and to enhance the overall efficiency of government services.

President Marcos Jr. has highlighted the need for government departments to collaborate with the DICT to ensure compatibility with the national ID system. He emphasised the importance of making the digital national ID easily accessible for more efficient government services.

Craig Sandness, Senior Vice President and Head of Secure Issuance and Citizen ID Solutions at HID, said, "We're proud that the Philippine Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT) has selected HID to provide its goID SDK to power the underlying security technology for the eGovPH app. This landmark project not only enhances the operational efficiency of government services but also significantly improves the ease and security with which citizens access and use their IDs. With the adoption of HID's cutting-edge goID technology platform, the Philippine government is set to deliver innovative, secure, and user-friendly solutions that truly benefit its citizens."

The rise in smartphone penetration in the Philippines, expected to reach 97% by 2029 according to Statista, underpins this move. To date, the eGovPH app has seen 6 million downloads. Ivan John E. Uy, DICT Secretary, noted, "This 2024, users will have the higher capability to access and store their government-issued identity documents, the first of which is the national ID." The government aims to achieve 10 million downloads by 2024, with expectations of doubling or surpassing that figure by 2025. The DICT and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) have already generated 83 million digital national IDs, available for access via the app.

ISO 23220 compliance ensures that the mobile IDs are globally compatible, facilitating seamless verification and acceptance across different locations and platforms worldwide. Approximately 10.2 million Filipinos reside abroad, a significant demographic that stands to benefit from this global interoperability. Ivan John E. Uy added, "This means that all credentials (mobile ID or any other digital documents) issued on the eGovPH platform can be globally interoperable, that is read, by other countries who are subscribing to the same ISO standards."

Beyond storing government-issued IDs, the app offers various essential services, including business registration, tax payments, social security benefits, and travel declarations, all designed to reduce paperwork and streamline processes. It also facilitates SIM card registration. Supported by HID's goID technology platform, the app features robust security layers and multiple authentication methods, such as face ID, fingerprints, and PINs, to ensure secure access to users.