WHEN the Tabang Banwaan Center (Tulong Bayan Center) of Goa was established in 1999, it systematized the delivery of basic services and financial assistance of the Goaenos.

Unfortunately, non-Goaenos also took advantage of the free financial and health services, draining Goa’s meager resources meant for its constituents. While authorities tried to plug the leak, the identity of Goa residents was hard to establish due to the absence of a valid database.

In 2003, Goa instituted the Goa ID System to ensure the basic services it offers truly benefit its constituents.

After an in-depth study, the local government decided on a family ID system with the mother as the duly authorized representative in recognition of her role in health, education and housing. This empowered women as equal partners in community building.

Intended beneficiaries were the 9,230 households of Goa based on the 2000 census. Information gathered from 53 indicators were used to ensure that the programs were tailor-made to the actual needs of the constituents.

Goaenos now use the ID to transact with the Tabang Banwaan Center and avail of other local government services. Officials can now identify the rightful beneficiaries of their programs.

While non-residents are still welcome to take advantage of the facilities, fees are charged and these add on to the income of the local government and contribute to the improvement of services.