The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Thursday admitted of a possible extension in the registration of the subscriber identification module (SIM) card registration.
“DICT is looking at the possibility of an extension,” DICT Undersecretary Anna Lamentillo said in a text message to reporters, after giving an update on the number of registrants.
According to the DICT, they have the “prerogative to extend the SIM Registration process for another 120 days.”
“We are still deliberating on the matter. Now we’re focused on increasing the number of registrants before the April 26 deadline,” she added.
The DICT said they are encouraging the public to register their SIM for better security.
As of March 7, 2023, 11:59 PM, the DICT reportED a total of 41,471,503 subscribers registered in the system, which is 24.54% of the 168,977,773 million subscribers nationwide.
The total number is consolidated from data reported by local Public Communication Entities (PTE): Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom Inc., and DITO Telecommunity Corp.
Smart Communications Inc. reported a total of 21,115,477 SIMs registered, which is 31.05% of Smart’s 67,995,734 subscribers. Globe Telecom Inc. recorded 17,206,202 registered — 19.58% of its 87,873,936 subscribers. Meanwhile, DITO Telecommunity Corp. reported a total of 3,149,824 SIMs registered or 24.02% of its 13,108,103 subscribers.
Meanwhile, the DICT joins in the celebration of the International Women’s Day on 08 March 2023. This event recognizes all women for their invaluable contributions to the social, cultural, economic, and political development that delivers positive change in our society.
According to the United Nations (UN), women and girls are using the internet with greater frequency during the pandemic, which makes them more vulnerable to cyber-harassment. This includes having received offensive and sexually explicit emails and text messages, and inappropriate advances on social networking sites. Through the SIM Registration Act, women and children will be protected not only from these violent and abusive exploits, but also from scams and fraudulent acts perpetrated through phone calls, text messages and online platforms.
Likewise, as the country continues with the resounding call for gender equality and empowerment of women, Usec. Lamentillo bannered the Philippine government initiatives and laws focused on women during one of the meetings of the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA.
“Bridging the digital gender divide is crucial to achieving gender equality and promoting economic growth. Through policies, programs, and initiatives that prioritize digital inclusion and gender equality, the Philippine government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind, that every individual, regardless of gender, has access to and can fully participate in the digital economy,” she added.
To ensure the security of user data among all subscribers, especially women, the DICT continues to remind the public to register their SIMs with their respective PTEs and be vigilant as they complete the registration process.
Catherine R. Cueto
