Davao City Citizen ID to Roll Out in September

PHASE 1 of the Davao City Citizen ID (DCitizen ID) system is set to launch as early as September 2025, according to Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, Chairperson of the Committee on Information Technology.

In an interview during Aprubado sa Konseho on May 20, 2025, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Militar said the initial rollout will prioritize the city’s estimated 170,000 senior citizens and 30,000 persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“Dili ni siya ordinary ID naa ni siya security feature if ever mawala ni siya ang ID, for example senior citizen mawala ilang ID makakuha tu ug discount ang isa ka ID sa senior citizen, pwede natu ma block ang nawala na ID dili nila magamit ang ID (This isn’t an ordinary ID—it has built-in security features. For example, if a senior citizen loses their ID and someone else tries to use it to claim a discount, we can block the lost ID so it can’t be misused),” he said.

Militar also noted that the DCitizen ID will be essential for data collection and monitoring, helping the city determine the number of residents. He added that every Dabawenyo will be issued an ID, which can also serve as localized border control.

The ordinance establishing the DCitizen ID was approved on third and final reading by the 20th City Council on March 25, 2025. The ID will be issued for free and distributed in phases, with funding and implementation supported by the City Mayor’s Office.

Residents can register by presenting a valid ID or barangay clearance, or by applying online. The validity of each DCitizen ID will vary depending on the age and residency status of the holder:

Children up to 15 years old will receive an electronic card valid for five years. Those aged 15 to 17 will be issued a physical card, valid for five years. Adults aged 18 and above will get a physical card valid for 10 years. Transient residents will have a one-year validity, PWDs will receive a card valid for five years, and senior citizens will be issued a lifetime-valid ID.

To streamline identification, the system will use color-coded cards: blue for permanent residents, green for transients, orange for PWDs, and red for senior citizens.

Once fully implemented, the DCitizen ID will simplify access to city services such as social welfare, healthcare, and financial aid, replacing the need to present multiple documents. However, it will only be valid within Davao City and will not be recognized in other localities.

Strict penalties will apply to those who misuse the ID system. Offenders caught falsifying information, fraudulently using the ID, or printing unauthorized copies will face up to one year of imprisonment and a ₱5,000 fine.

The DCitizen ID project was initially proposed in 2024 but faced delays. Militar reintroduced it to the media on January 21, 2025, and the city is now moving forward with its implementation. RGP