The Philippine Statistics Authority in Negros Oriental has started its registration of children below five years old for the national identification program, an official said Monday.
Engr. Ariel Fortuito, chief statistical analyst and PSA provincial head, said the registration of these young children officially started last week.
PSA-Negros is targeting to enlist at least 200,000 newborns, infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers.
Fortuito said he is hopeful to see at least an 80 to 90 percent turnout, considering the challenges in the process.
He noted that some areas are remote, and could not be easily reached by PSA staff.
During the registration, Fortuito said, the children must bring their birth certificates, and should be accompanied by their parents/guardians who must bring their respective PhilSys IDs. Guardians must also bring an authorization letter from the parents.
Fortuito explained there are different modes of registration for this particular bracket, such as mobile, “on wheels”, and static/fixed stations in designated areas, including daycare centers, barangay halls, and the local malls.
The PSA has also deployed staff to the different local government units.
Meanwhile, the PSA here has attended to some 200 couples for various Kasalan ng Bayan (mass wedding) ceremonies initiated by the LGUs.
Fortuito said the PSA, in collaboration with the LGU, offers services such as the issuance of birth certificates, and the CeNoMar (Certificate of No Marriage) as prerequisites to the official legal union of a couple.
In some cases, the LGU/PSA offers the services for free as part of the agency’s celebration of Civil Registration Month this February, he said.
Mass weddings were held this month in Mabinay, Guihulngan, Basay, Bayawan City, Zamboanguita, Dauin, and Tanjay City.
Another kasalan ng bayan ceremony has been scheduled in Manjuyod town this week. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
