by Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV, Port Moresby
Awareness drive for the National Identity Project (NID) in the Southern Highlands province is progressing.
Ialibu-Pangia district is heading the awareness initiative, with church leaders and schools targeted as key sectors.
The National Statistical Office says people are realising the need to register, with hopes to reap benefits from the project. District education advisor Warea Paita says schools, including nearby villages, have shown a keen interest in knowing more about the project.
NID officers say the response was positive from a few head of churches, as they began to appreciate the new system introduced by the government.
They proposed that a circular be urgently sent to all churches in the district and congregation members, informing them of the MOU and their participation.
The awareness team has responded well, based on the number of frequently asked questions, some regarding penalties for not registering, the public misconception of ‘666’, and the main concept of the system and its disadvantages.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said it is important to register, as there will be greater benefits with this new system when the government of PNG introduces other benefits such as pensions for the elderly.
