3 MARCH 2025 – SAN JOSE, ROMBLON. On February 24, 2025, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) held an information dissemination session at San Jose Agricultural High School, attended by 63 students. The event, which formed part of the 35th Civil Registration Month celebration, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of Civil Registration and the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) in securing legal identities and improving access to government services.

PSA Romblon personnel, LCRO San Jose Staff, and students during the information drive at San Jose AHS.

The event commenced with a prayer, followed by an opening address from School Principal IV, Myrna M. Venus, who emphasized the importance of educating the youth on government programs that facilitate access to essential services.

Maria Cristina M. Uy, Registration Officer II of PSA-Romblon, introduced the ongoing Civil Registration Month celebration and outlined key Civil Registration Laws, including Republic Acts (RA) 9048, RA 9255, and RA 10172. She underscored the critical role of registering vital events such as births, deaths, and marriages, which ensure an individual’s legal recognition and provide the foundation for accessing public services.

Ms. Hannah Joy G. Fabello, a PSA representative, then conducted an informative session on the RA 11055 or Philippine Identification System Act, providing updates on the National ID, explaining the registration process, and detailing the various types of National IDs, their uses, and their functions. PhilSys Check and National ID e-Verify tools designed to enhance the verification of identities and ensure the authenticity of National IDs was also introduced. In support of the information dissemination efforts, approximately 400 leaflets were distributed to attendees.

(Left) RO II Maria Cristina M. Uy discussed civil registration laws and processes, while Ms. Myrna Venus (right) welcoming the visitors from PSA and LCRO San Jose.

Additionally, the session addressed frequently asked questions (FAQs) to clarify common concerns on the National ID System. To engage the students further, a "PSA Says" Family Feud-inspired game was conducted, featuring questions related to civil registration and the National ID system. The game proved to be an engaging and effective way to reinforce the key concepts discussed during the session.

This initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Education, Schools Division of Romblon, and the local government unit (LGU) of San Jose, under the leadership of Mayor Egdon T. Sombilon also, the Municipal Civil Registrar Mr. Michael Mondoy, along with other key stakeholders, whose support was instrumental.

This event is part of the nationwide observance of Civil Registration Month, which this year conducts the theme: “Building a Resilient, Agile, and Future-Fit Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) System.” This highlights the importance of modernizing the civil registration system to better serve the needs of the Filipino people.

The annual observance of CRM is pursuant to Proclamation No. 682 “Declaring the Month of February of Every Year as Civil Registration Month” issued by then President Corazon C. Aquino dated January 28, 1991. 

(SGD) ENGR. JOHNNY F. SOLIS 
Chief Statistical Specialist