BAGUIO CITY - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) successfully registered 5,490 individuals in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Baguio City in 2023 through its PhilSys Birth Registration Assistance Project.
According to Philippines News Agency, PSA-CAR registration officer IV, the project reached residents across all six provinces, with Apayao recording the highest number at 1,442 registrants.
Tolito further detailed that Kalinga and Ifugao followed with 1,339 and 1,055 registrations respectively. Other provinces such as Mountain Province, Abra, and Benguet also saw significant numbers of residents registered, contributing to the overall success of the initiative in the region.
PSA-CAR Regional Director Villafe Alibuyog explained that the continuation of the free birth registration program was motivated by the discovery of many unregistered Filipinos during various government censuses. These efforts included reaching remote areas and single households in the mountains. "It is essential for individuals to have documentation that proves their identity, which is why our government is committed to extending assistance to ensure everyone is registered," Alibuyog stated.
The program also assists people from other regions, reflecting its wide scope and inclusivity. An example of the program's impact is Alex Gabilno from Kapangan, Benguet, who, for 57 years, had never possessed a birth certificate nor understood its significance until recently. Gabilno received his first birth certificate during the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair held at the Benguet State University. He expressed his newfound appreciation for the document, recognizing its importance in establishing one's identity.