The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region X actively participated in the Implementation Support Mission (ISM) Field Visit of the Beneficiary FIRST (BFIRST) Social Protection Project on June 9–10, 2025. The activity was organized in close collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), with the support of key development partners including the Australian Embassy, World Bank, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The visit aimed to assess the ongoing progress of social protection programs in Region X and identify strategies for improved implementation and delivery of services.

PSA Region X was represented by Mr. Jerwin Asiñero, Senior Statistical Specialist; Ms. Joy E. Llido, Registration Officer III; and Ms. Glenda C. Bazar, Statistical Analyst. The team took part in key technical discussions and observation sessions that reviewed the status of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the flagship poverty reduction initiative implemented by the DSWD.

During the sessions, DSWD presented its latest accomplishment report, which showed that 87,048 out of 469,017 total 4Ps beneficiaries in Region X have been successfully registered and authenticated with the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). While the region has made notable progress, the target has yet to be fully achieved. In response, PSA Region X expressed its full support and committed to assisting the remaining unregistered beneficiaries by maximizing its current manpower, requesting a complete and updated list of 4Ps beneficiaries for verification, and coordinating with DSWD to ensure a more focused and efficient rollout of registration activities.

Representatives from the Australian Embassy, World Bank, UNICEF, and ADB provided valuable technical guidance and shared international best practices on inclusive social protection, identity systems, and data governance. Their participation underscored the importance of strong partnerships in driving equitable and evidence-based development outcomes.

In addition to supporting the national ID registration efforts, PSA also contributed insights on the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), a data-gathering tool that helps identify the poorest households in local communities. PSA emphasized the importance of CBMS as a reliable statistical basis for DSWD in preselecting eligible 4Ps beneficiaries and other vulnerable populations. By utilizing CBMS data, government programs can be better targeted, ensuring that interventions reach those most in need.

On the second day of the session, Mr. Jerwin Asiñero delivered also a presentation on PSA Region X’s Birth Registration Assistance Project (BRAP). The initiative offers free birth registration to unregistered individuals, particularly those belonging to marginalized and low-income groups, including 4Ps beneficiaries. Mr. Asiñero highlighted that birth registration is the first legal step in establishing a person’s identity and is essential in accessing various government services, including PhilSys. This initiative strengthens the agency’s push for universal civil registration and inclusive identity.


PSA Region X’s participation in the BFIRST ISM Field Visit reinforces its continued commitment to building a more inclusive and data-informed social protection system. Through its efforts in identity registration, poverty data collection, and civil registration assistance, the agency remains a strong partner in national development and poverty alleviation—working hand-in-hand with government institutions and international development partners to ensure that no one is left behind.

For more information about the PhilSys services offered in collaboration with DSWD's Walang Gutom Program, visit PSA RSSO 10’s official website at http://rsso10.psa.gov.ph, Official FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/psagovphx or contact us thru email at rsso10@psa.gov.ph or mobile number 0917-821-9152.

(SGD.)JANITH C. AVES, CE, DM
Regional Director, PSA 10
JBT/JEL