This digital ID system, known as PhilSys (Philippine Identification System), was officially established under Republic Act No. 11055 in 2018.

The project gained momentum in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PhilSys Number (PSN) is a 12-digit randomly-generated, unique, and permanent identification number that will be assigned to every citizen or resident alien upon birth or registration by the PSA.

As reported by the PSA, PhilSys recorded 89.4 million cumulative registrations by August 2024.