PSA Western Visayas leads 2026 Civil Registration Month

The Philippine Statistics Authority-Regional Statistical Services Office VI (PSA RSSO VI) will lead the celebration of the 36th Civil Registration Month (CRM) this February, highlighting the importance of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in a rapidly changing data landscape.

This year’s theme, “Navigating the Future Together: Advancing CRVS in Shaping the Global and Regional Data Ecosystem,” underscores how civil registration records—such as births, deaths, and marriages—support planning and services by providing timely and reliable vital statistics.

PSA RSSO VI said the annual observance is mandated under Presidential Proclamation No. 682, signed by President Corazon C. Aquino on Jan. 28, 1991, which declared February as Civil Registration Month.

To open the month-long activities, PSA RSSO VI will hold an opening ceremony on Feb. 2, 2026, starting with a motorcade joined by members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (IACCRVS).

The kickoff will also include the official oath-taking of new IACCRVS members as part of efforts to strengthen coordination across agencies involved in civil registration and statistics generation.

After the motorcade, frontline services will be offered at Robinsons Mall Main, including a Civil Registration Helpdesk for client assistance.

PSA RSSO VI said CRS Mobile Operations will also be available for on-site issuance of civil registry documents, bringing services closer to clients who may face time or travel constraints.

National ID registration will likewise be conducted to support PhilSys enrollment, which the government has positioned as a foundational ID system for streamlining transactions and improving access to services.

In partnership with local government units and local civil registry offices, PSA RSSO VI encouraged the display of streamers to promote regional activities such as mobile registrations and mass weddings.

To strengthen public understanding and compliance, PSA RSSO VI said it will conduct educational initiatives, including radio interviews and press briefings covering CRVS and National ID updates.

Capacity-building activities will include refresher trainings on civil registration laws for school registrars and PSA personnel to improve consistency in registration practices and records handling.

PSA RSSO VI also listed face-to-face sessions on marriage laws and the issuance of the Certificate of Registration of Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM) as part of the month’s learning activities.

The office will also cascade a memorandum of agreement with the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) to align efforts that support population and development planning through better data.

To increase engagement, PSA RSSO VI said the celebration will feature interactive competitions, including an e-Poster Making Contest for junior high school students and PSA staff.

A CRM TikTok Contest will be opened to students and various sectors, aiming to widen participation and raise awareness through social media.

PSA RSSO VI said a month-long exhibit will also be mounted at the PSA Civil Registry System (CRS) area as part of the public information campaign.

For PSA personnel and municipal civil registrars, the office will stage intellectual activities such as a CRVS Quiz Bee to reinforce technical knowledge and best practices.

The 36th Civil Registration Month celebration will culminate in an awarding and closing ceremony on Feb. 27, 2026, where winners of the various competitions will be recognized.