The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Pilipinas Teleserv, and GCash joined forces to launch the PSAHelpline Mini App, making it easier and more convenient for Filipinos to request civil registry documents anytime, anywhere.

Users can securely request PSA certificates, such as birth, marriage, death, CENOMAR, and CENODEATH, and choose between an e-copy or home delivery, all while paying seamlessly with their GCash e-wallets. The integration brings essential government services closer to millions of Filipinos through a platform they already use daily.

With this launch, GCash becomes the first e-wallet to host PSAHelpline.ph in-app and the first to offer PDF civil registry certificates directly within the app. PSAHelpline is also the first government service available on GLife.

The PSAHelpline Mini App is designed to streamline the end-to-end process of requesting civil registry documents, from placement of requests to payment and delivery, reducing barriers for those in remote areas and ensuring timely, secure, and reliable access to vital records.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, the PSA and Teleserv, for the trust and for being our first government service app to be integrated inside GCash,” said Cleo Celeste Santos, VP and Head of Public Sector at GCash.

“At GCash, we believe financial inclusion starts with identity. By making essential civil registry documents easier to access, we are helping more Filipinos participate in the digital economy and access the opportunities they deserve,” she added.

The partnership between PSA, Pilipinas Teleserv, and GCash set a strong precedent for future digital government initiatives, showing what is possible when the public and private sectors work together.

“The PSA Helpline Mini App within the GCash app simplifies how Filipinos request civil registry documents by integrating secure requests and payments into a trusted digital platform. This partnership reflects our vision of a citizen-centered and digitally enabled government that delivers faster, more convenient public service to every Filipino wherever they may be,” PSA National Statistician, Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa said.

Data privacy and security are critical, as millions of Filipinos rely on PSA-issued documents for various important transactions, including employment, education, travel, benefits, and legal matters. Pilipinas Teleserv, PSA’s long-standing partner for the PSAHelpline service, highlighted that the GCash infrastructure further reinforces the integrity of the document request process.

“GCash has a robust KYC process, which PSAHelpline will fully leverage to ensure that only document owners and properly authorized requesters can apply for PSA certificates”, Pilipinas Teleserv Managing Director and Founder Jun Yupitun said.

The PSAHelpline Mini App streamlines the entire process, from request to payment and delivery, helping reduce barriers, especially for those in remote areas. (PR)

ORMOC CITY— Three houses were destroyed in a fire believed to have been triggered by faulty electrical wiring on Thursday morning, February 26, in Barangay Sto. Niño, Abuyog, Leyte.

The blaze broke out at around 8:30 a.m., prompting residents to alert authorities through a mobile phone call. Responding personnel from the local police and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) immediately proceeded to the area to conduct firefighting and security operations.

Initial investigation by the BFP-Abuyog indicated that the fire allegedly started inside the house of alias “Bern,” 71, married and jobless. Investigators said the structure, which was made of light materials, may have caught fire due to faulty electrical wiring.

The flames quickly spread to adjacent houses owned by aliases “Perie,” 79, a widower, and “Lucie,” both residents of Barangay Sto. Niño. Their homes, built with a combination of concrete and light materials, were also engulfed by the fire.

The BFP declared the fire under control at about 8:50 a.m. No injuries or casualties were reported.

Damage to property was estimated at P185,000.

Authorities said a thorough investigation is still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Amnesty window closing

TACLOBAN CITY — With just weeks before the March 13, 2026 cutoff, government peace officials are urging qualified former rebels in Eastern Visayas to file their amnesty applications or risk losing the opportunity for legal relief and reintegration.

During a media briefing here on February 26, representatives of the Local Amnesty Boards (LAB) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said processing of applications is ongoing but emphasized that submissions will no longer be accepted after the deadline.

Bhea Janine Gozo of LAB Tacloban called on eligible applicants to complete their documentary requirements and personally appear before their respective boards.
“Qualified applicants should submit their documents and appear before the board as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline,” Gozo said.

Data presented during the briefing showed strong response to the amnesty program across Eastern Visayas.

The Local Amnesty Board Tacloban has received 610 applications as of February 26. Of these, 576 applicants are from Leyte, 13 from Eastern Samar, 11 from Southern Leyte, five from Northern Samar, four from Samar province, and one from Region IV-A.

Meanwhile, the Local Amnesty Board Catbalogan reported 1,253 applications. Of the total, 847 are under verification, 276 are scheduled for case conference, and 130 have been resolved and transmitted to the National Amnesty Commission for final action.

Separate data showed that 57 applications have been processed under the Local Amnesty Board covering Tacloban City and nearby areas, including 53 applicants from Leyte and four from Eastern Samar.

Under the amnesty program, applicants must take an oath of allegiance to the government and submit supporting documents for identity verification and case evaluation.

Local Amnesty Boards are responsible for receiving and assessing applications, validating the identity of applicants, and endorsing qualified individuals to the National Amnesty Commission for approval.

The initiative forms part of the national government’s broader peace and reconciliation agenda aimed at helping former combatants return to mainstream society without fear of prosecution for covered offenses, while promoting lasting stability in conflict-affected communities.

Officials stressed that there is no indication yet whether the national government will extend the March 13 deadline.

“We encourage those who are qualified not to wait until the last minute,” a LAB representative said, underscoring that applications filed beyond the deadline will no longer be entertained.

ROEL T. AMAZONA)