Guimaras Kicks Off 35th Civil Registration Month

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Guimaras, in partnership with the five local civil registry offices (LCROs), launched the 35th Civil Registration Month (CRM) with a provincial caravan and an opening ceremony on Feb. 3, 2025, at the OMAS Function Hall in Poblacion, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

“This year’s celebration, themed ‘Building a Resilient, Agile, and Future-Fit Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System,’ highlights the province’s commitment to improving civil registration services and ensuring that every Guimarasnon has access to legal identity documents,” Provincial Statistics Officer Nelida B. Losare said.

The event began with a provincial caravan covering the five municipalities—Sibunag, San Lorenzo, Buenavista, Jordan, and Nueva Valencia—where organizers made courtesy visits to the mayors.

“This initiative symbolized the province-wide commitment to strengthening civil registration services and raising public awareness about the importance of civil registration,” Losare said.

Nueva Valencia Municipal Civil Registrar (MCR) Mary Jane G. Piosca welcomed participants to the opening ceremony, while Buenavista MCR Elma F. Zaldivar introduced the attendees.

Mayor Paul Vincent G. De La Cruz delivered an inspirational message, emphasizing the importance of civil registration in governance and public service. He assured full support for LCRO and PSA activities to facilitate smoother access to essential services.

Sangguniang Bayan Member Jason E. Javier also commended the PSA and LCROs for their dedication to leading the month-long celebration.

PSO Losare praised the efforts of municipal civil registrars and their staff in delivering efficient civil registration services through various programs and initiatives.

“These achievements would not be possible without the support of local chief executives and other officials,” Losare said.

She stressed the importance of continuous improvements in the civil registration system, noting that civil registration is the foundation of legal identity and access to rights. She reaffirmed the PSA’s commitment to providing timely and accessible registration services for all Guimarasnons.

Losare also presented vital statistics data comparing 2023 and 2024, offering insights into demographic trends in the province. The initial findings revealed changes in registered births, marriages, and deaths by sex, as well as the top five leading causes of death, reflecting Guimaras’ evolving demographic landscape.

The 35th CRM celebration features various activities throughout February, including:

• Oathtaking of elected Guimaras Civil Registrars Association Inc. (GCRAI) officials.
• Awarding of top-performing LCROs.
• Provincial Quiz Bee for LCRO staff (Feb. 3, 2025).
• Provincial and regional quiz competitions for PSA staff.
• Regional Quiz Bee for LCRO staff (Feb. 28, 2025).
• Mobile registration services, mass weddings, and gift-giving activities.
• Implementation of the Barangay Civil Registration System (BCRS).
• Binalaybay contest eliminations for junior high school students.
• Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) jingle dance interpretation for senior high school students.
• Tree planting and coastal clean-up (third week of February).
• The battle of municipal champions for Binalaybay and CRVS jingle dance during the closing ceremony (Feb. 26, 2025).

“These activities align with Presidential Proclamation No. 682, signed by the late President Corazon C. Aquino on Jan. 28, 1991, declaring February as Civil Registration Month,” Losare said.