USM, NCMF Discuss Initiatives for Muslim Students, Youth
October 14, 2026
USM students, employees, and residents of Kabacan accessed National ID services and civil registry documents without having to travel to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) offices as PSA Region XII brought its Serbisyo Caravan to the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) on October 14 at the University Commercial Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
The caravan offered free National ID services, including assistance for damaged cards, as well as on-site printing of birth, marriage, and death certificates for ₱155 per document. Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) requests, however, were not available at the mobile outlet.
Ms. Venissa A. Suaili, Statistical Specialist II of PSA-12, said the university was chosen to bring government services closer to communities located far from the agency’s regional office.
“Usually, ang mga napupuntahan ay iyong mga malalapit. Since malayo ang USM sa regional office, we want to bring our services and opportunities here so that those who cannot easily go to our office can still avail of them,” Ms. Suaili said.
As of 10:30 a.m., PSA-12 had served 70 clients for National ID services and 47 individuals for civil registration concerns, with 57 civil registry documents processed for printing. More than 50 people had also visited the statistical booth, which featured information on government surveys, infographics, and interactive activities.
For holders of damaged National ID cards, Ms. Suaili advised surrendering the cards at a PSA office for replacement. While replacement cards remain subject to the ongoing procurement process, clients may request an electronic Philippine Identification (ePhilID), which has the same validity as the physical card.
She clarified that the Digital National ID must not be printed and laminated. The ePhilID, however, may be printed and laminated when a physical copy is needed for presentation.
The October 14 activity followed the signing of a memorandum of agreement between USM and PSA-12 on October 12. The two institutions had previously collaborated on basic statistics training.
Ms. Suaili said other institutions may also request a service caravan by sending a letter to PSA-12 Regional Director Atty. Maqtahar L. Manulon, CESO V, through Cotabato Provincial Chief Statistical Specialist Nurhaya Tula.
The activity was part of the 37th National Statistics Month celebration, with the theme “Statistics as Building Blocks for a Better Future,” and PSA-12’s first Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Community Action initiative for 2026.
