ITOGON, Benguet – In line with the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) 35th Civil Registration Month celebration, the Itogon Municipal Civil Registry Office, in partnership with PSA-Benguet and PSA-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), successfully organized an educational event aimed at raising awareness about the significance of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) services. The event was held on February 20, 2025, at the Baguio Gold Elementary School gymnasium in Tuding, Itogon, Benguet, and was attended by students, educators, and parents.
The event kicked off with an inspiring opening remark from Rosalina P. Legaspi, Grade 2 Adviser, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude for hosting the first-ever Civil Registration Month activity at their school. She warmly welcomed all attendees, including students, parents, and PSA employees, as well as Municipal Civil Registrars, who shared their knowledge and expertise.
In line with this year’s theme, “Building a Resilient, Agile, and Future-Fit Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System,” the event also featured a slogan and poster-making contest. Registration Officer Jovieline Ambojnon provided an informative overview of the CRVS system, emphasizing its crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of vital data. Chief Statistical Specialist Imelda L. Buyuccan shared an important message with the participants, highlighting the significance of understanding vital events such as births, deaths, and marriages, and their impact on people’s lives. She further emphasized that, in the future, the students may play a key role in processing this vital data for their families and communities. This initiative offered students a valuable opportunity to explore the significance of vital statistics while expressing their creativity, with the event being facilitated by Birth Registration Coordinator Franz Angielyn B. Olarte and Assistant Birth Registration Coordinator Gladys M. Alibno. The contests not only allowed students to demonstrate their understanding of the CRVS system but also reinforced the theme’s message in a memorable and engaging way.
Emmalyn Equinio, Statistical Specialist and Civil Registry System Baguio Outlet Supervisor from the PSA CAR, then delivered an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign. Her presentation covered essential topics such as how to request a PSA copy of civil documents, the Correction of Entries in the Birth and Marriage Certificates, and Late Registration. Several parents took the opportunity to seek clarification on their children’s birth certificates, highlighting the session’s value in addressing real-life issues.
The students’ active participation significantly contributed to the event’s success, showcasing their growing awareness of the importance of accurate records. The top three winners of the poster and slogan-making contests were recognized for their outstanding contributions, with their work celebrated for effectively communicating the significance of accurate documentation in the lives of individuals and the community as a whole.
Overall, the event marked a successful collaboration between the Itogon Municipal Civil Registry Office, PSA-Benguet, and PSA-CAR, creating lasting awareness and a deeper understanding of vital statistics. The initiative also highlighted the role of the younger generation in raising awareness and fostering conversations about the importance of official records, ensuring its continued relevance for future generations.
