In celebration of the National Children’s Month this November, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pinili, Ilocos Norte in partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)- Ilocos Norte Provincial Statistical Office (PSO) organized an event to provide National ID and Civil Registration Services for the pupils of Day Care Centers in the Municipality on 19 November 2024 at the Municipal Amphitheater.

Through the PSA’s National ID registration strategy “Rehistro Bulilit”, the PSO personnel were able to register 51 children and issued 44 National ID in paper form.  Attendees were also assisted in the generation of digital ID, processing of replacement of damaged PhilID cards, and updating of demographic information. 
During the opening ceremony, Ms. Liezle Joy V. Pagdilao, Municipal Civil Registrar highlighted the significance of the celebration and relevance of the registration services in her welcome speech. Honorable Rommel T. Labasan, Municipal Mayor of Pinili, attended and graced the opening ceremony by delivering a message that stressed the importance of registering to National ID, as well as accurate and timely registration of vital events. Mayor Labasan also extended gratitude to PSA for bringing the registration services to their Municipality. On the other hand, the PSO, headed by Ms. Marilyn P. Vergara, Chief Statistical Specialist, reaffirmed the commitment of the agency in ensuring that all Filipino citizens in the province will be given an opportunity to be registered in the National ID.

Aside from the National ID services provided by PSA, the event also highlights the information dissemination conducted by the PSO. Mr. Johnsen Jett B. Asuncion, provincial civil registration Focal Person, presented topics on civil registration laws, processes, and services of PSA including birth statistics in the province for the year 2023. On the other hand, Ms. Vaneza Joy M. Ortal, PhilSys Provincial Focal Person, presented the National ID services of PSA, the use and benefits of National ID, and the different forms of National ID and its features.  

The participants were also able to enjoy the parlor games facilitated by the PhilSys team. Cash prizes were provided by Honorable Mayor Rommel T. Labasan, and Vice Mayor Francis Maynard Bumanglag. The Local Civil Registry Office headed by MCR Liezle Joy V. Pagdilao also distributed loot bags to the children. Moreover, PhilSys tote bag was also given to the registrants during the event.  Free snacks, and lunch were also provided by the LGU.

The annual celebration is pursuant to Republic Act No. 10661 declaring November as the “National Children’s Month”.  This declaration commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1989 and seeks to instill its significance in the Filipino consciousness and to sustain the promotion and protection of children’s rights.

Sgd. MARILYN P. VERGARA
Chief Statistical Specialist
Ilocos Norte Provincial Statistical Office

JBA/VMO