In line with the month-long celebration of the 34^th Civil Registration Month (CRM), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - La Union Provincial Statistical Office and La Union Civil Registrars Association (LUCRA) organized a symposium on civil registration concerns through online platform on 06 February 2024.

The activity aimed to improve the quality and efficiency of civil registration processes, promote collaboration among agencies involved in civil registration, address common issues and challenges, and contribute to the improvement of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in the province.

Resource speakers from various civil registration stakeholders were invited by the PSA to discuss on their processes that involve the CRVS.

Ms. Tephanie Ruth Rimorin, Nurse II of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), started the discussions by presenting the leading causes of death in the province that included pneumonia, acute myocardial infarction, cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, and hypertension. Moreover, she also informed the issues encountered in district hospitals during the processing of death certificates.

Atty. Howard Y. Chan, Public Attorney II of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) San Fernando City District Office, discussed on the common concern of clients seeking assistance, particularly pertaining on the annulment of marriage or the declaration of nullity of marriage. Atty. Chan gave a summary of the qualifications specified in their manual of operation and stressed their mandate to render, free of charge, legal representation, assistance, and counselling to indigent persons. 

Director Val Simon T. Roque from the Civil Registry Division (CRD), Office of Consular Affairs (OCA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Main Office noted that the DFA in the Philippines primarily serves as a window for filing delayed civil registration reports. However, under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), it is the Philippine Consul abroad who must be satisfied with the submitted requirements for these reports. Director Roque also encouraged inquiries on delayed civil registration reports to be emailed to oca.crd@dfa.gov.ph.

Similarly, Mr. Victor Mitchel M. Zambrano, Civil Registry Focal Person of Consular Office (CO) La Union, discussed the processes and requirements of civil registry reports on birth, marriage, and death abroad, citing legal provisions under the VCDR.

Lastly, Ms. Wedda S. Lacay, Authentication Section Personnel of CO La Union, elaborated on apostille procedures and requirements for authentication of civil registry documents.

The consultative forum was an opportunity for the local civil registrars to ask questions pertaining to requirements of stakeholders that involve civil registry documents. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of each agency involved in civil registration, efforts can be better coordinated to improve the CRVS in the province. 

SGD. DANITES E. TEÑIDO, PhD
Chief Statistical Specialist

/MBL

PHOTO RELEASE