PSA Negros Occidental concludes 36th Civil Registration Month

BACOLOD CITY — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Negros Occidental Provincial Statistical Office officially marked the culmination of the 36th Civil Registration Month with a grand closing ceremony and an inclusive government service caravan.

The celebration adopted the theme “Navigating the Future, Together: Advancing CRVS in Shaping the Global and Regional Data Ecosystem.”

The ceremony was graced by local civil registrars and staff from various local civil registry offices across Negros Occidental.

The PSA recognized these partners for their tireless work in documenting the vital events of the Negrense people.

In a move to bring government services closer to the people, the closing ceremony featured a massive service caravan that allowed residents to bypass long queues at traditional offices by bringing key agencies under one roof.

PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG Fund representatives were present to process memberships, handle inquiries and update contributions. The Department of Information and Communications Technology provided technical support and information on digital literacy and e-governance initiatives.

The PSA offered real-time registration for the Philippine Identification System, updating of demographic information, and on-site printing of ePhilIDs and Security Paper documents.

Diesah S. Biaoco, supervising statistical specialist, thanked everyone who participated and acknowledged the guests and speakers at the event. She emphasized that civil registration is more than records — it is the backbone of identity, rights and access to services.

Gemma C. Cortez, Philippine Association of Civil Registrars in Negros Occidental vice president and local civil registrar of the Municipality of Manapla, delivered a meaningful message. She expressed appreciation for the dedication and sincerity of local civil registrar offices across the province, highlighting their vital role in ensuring accurate and timely civil registration services.

Cortez also encouraged continued collaboration among offices to further strengthen the civil registration system and improve public service delivery.

Reynaldo V. Salutin, membership and collection head of PhilHealth, emphasized the importance of civil registration documents in accessing health insurance and social protection services. He also introduced the YAKAP program, which aims to provide every Filipino with financial risk protection and better access to health care.

Engr. Bernard P. Susbilla, officer in charge of the Philippine Information Agency, pointed out the value of responsible information dissemination in promoting public awareness of government programs and services. He highlighted that the PIA strongly encourages the public to be responsible consumers and sharers of information.

A highlight of the afternoon was the awards presentation, celebrating the wit and creativity of participants in the provincial competitions. Winners from the 36th Civil Registration Month quiz bees for PSA, local civil registrar and on-the-job trainee editions, as well as the infographics and photography contests, received their prizes during the ceremony.

The Civil Registration Month is observed every February under Presidential Proclamation No. 682, signed in 1991, to highlight the importance of civil registration in national development and to encourage public compliance with registration requirements.

In closing, Registration Officer II Edwin P. Guiking thanked everyone for their presence and active participation, noting that the closing of Civil Registration Month is not the end of the mission, but a renewal of commitment.