Identity solutions company HID has partnered with FMC Research Solutions Inc. to integrate their goID Software Development Kit (SDK) into the existing eGovPH App to deliver an ISO-compliant mobile national identity for the Philippines.
The Super App is set to become the first ISO-compliant digital government platform in Asia and one of the pioneering initiatives globally.
Launched by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), eGovPH is an initiative designed to streamline access to various government services. It is a one-stop shop for managing and improving Filipinos’ digital experience when dealing with government and national organisations.
The app allows Filipinos to store and access their government-issued identity (i.e., digital National ID, PRC ID), thereby accessing a suite of government services on their mobile devices, such as PhilHealth, GSIS, PRC, etc. By integrating multiple services into a single platform, the app reduces unnecessary long queuing to apply for IDs. It facilitates efficient identity verification.
The digital national ID is an important part of the country’s digital transformation. President Marcos Jr. emphasised the need for government departments to work with the DICT to ensure compatibility with the national ID system and directed the DICT to make digital national IDs easily accessible for more efficient government services.
“We’re proud that the Philippine Department of Information Communications Technology has selected HID to provide its goID SDKto power the underlying security technology for the eGovPH App” said HID’s Craig Sandness. “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.”
Leading in Smartphone Penetration
The government is capitalising on the country’s accelerating smartphone penetration, with usage predicted to reach 97% of the population by 2029, according to Statista.
“To date, the eGovPH app has reached six million downloads, providing users access to their digital national IDs, as well as other government services,” said DICT Secretary Ivan John E. Uy. “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 is targeting 10 million downloads of the eGovPH app in 2024, with the goal of surpassing that number by 2025. To date, the DICT and PSA have generated 83 million digital national IDs, which are ready for use and can be accessed through the app. Eventually, the eGovPH app will be able to store personal documents required for various government and private transactions, and these digital documents will be legally recognised, just like physical ones, by relevant institutions.
The importance of compliance
The app is ISO 23220-compliant, enabling the mobile IDs to be compatible globally and allowing verification and acceptance across different platforms and locations worldwide. Filipinos are highly mobile. With approximately 10.2 million Filipinos residing abroad, the ISO compliance will make the app even more relevant. The level of interoperability underscores the Philippines’ commitment to adopting robust, secure, and universally accepted digital solutions.
“This means that all credentials (mobile ID, Mobile Driving License, or any other digital documents) issued on eGovPH platform can be globally interoperable, that is read, by other countries who are subscribing to the same ISO standards.” added Uy.
Citizen-centric super app with key functionalities
In addition to storing government-issued IDs, the app allows Filipino citizens to access essential government services such as business registration, tax payments and social security benefits. It integrates outbound and inbound travel declarations, reducing paperwork and delivering a seamless experience. It even simplifies the process of SIM card registration.
Underpinned by HID’s goID technology platform, the eGovPH App can perform verification, supported by strong security layers around the wallet, and backed up by selected means of authentication (e.g. face ID, fingerprints, PIN) to access the wallet.
