29 August 2023, Cotabato City. PSA BARMM headed by OIC-Regional Director, Engr. Akan G. Tula goes live with CRS-ITP2 soft launching in Cotabato City Outlet on 29 August 2023 at the ground floor, PSA BARMM, Cotabato City and simultaneously viewed online via Zoom teleconferencing and livestreamed on PSA BARMM Official Facebook Page.

The launching was actively participated by Ms. Noronisa D. Macadadaya, OIC-Civil Registration and Administrative Division (CRASD), Mr. Edward Donald F. Eloja, Chief Statistical Operation and Coordination Division (SOCD); Mr. Mahmur H. Sarail, Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS) of PSA Basilan, Mr. Naldo G. Pendaliday, OIC-CSS Maguindanao, the rest of the PSA BARMM RSSO and CRS Cotabato Outlet, distinguished Unisys personnel; and media personnel.

Meanwhile, participants who attended via Zoom were the CSS of Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Sulu; Ms. Marizza B. Grande, Assistant National Statistician, PSA-Civil Registration Service Central Office; and various Local Civil Registrars from across the BARMM region. In addition, it was also graced by the presence of Ms. Lanie A. Castaňares, President of the Association of Local Civil Registrar in Maguindanao del Sur; Mr. Tato P. Otto, President of the Association of Local Civil Registrar in Maguindanao del Norte; and Ms. Cristina Callao, Regional Operations Lead Mindanao CRS ITP2.

Pursuant to Article 5 of the Republic Act No. 10625 otherwise known as the Philippine Statistics Act of 2023, provides that PSA shall primarily be responsible for the implementation of the objectives and provisions therein. PSA is responsible for the implementation of the objectives of the provisions of the Republic Act No. 10625 otherwise known as the Philippine Statistics Act of 2023. Under this law, the National Statistics Office (NSO) and three other statistical agencies were merged and the personnel, assets, contracts, and responsibilities of these merged agencies were devolved to the new PSA. Moreover, PSA is also responsible for the implementation of the provisions of Act No. 3753 also known as the Civil Registration Law as well as provisions of civil registration services to the public.

Primarily, the Civil Registry System-Information Technology Project (CRS-ITP) is an IT project that aims to improve the issuance of copies and certifications of civil registry documents through the imaging of the civil registry documents and the computerization of the issuance process. Engr. Tula highlighted that the launching stands for the commitment to modernize and streamline processes, making them more accessible, transparent, and user-friendly to all members of our community. We acknowledge the importance of adopting and embracing change. Our goal is to provide a seamless experience to meet your needs, Engr. Tula added.

In this regard, MCR Castaňares, commended the PSA in implementing the CRS-ITP2 system to augment and streamline the system and provide civil registration services in the BARMM region due the rapid increase of the demand on civil registration documents and statistical reports. Subsequently, ANS Grande, conveyed her opinion and expectation with the implementation of the CRS-ITP2 system – people can expect an improvement on the processes and facilities. “We understand the struggle of our people, since Cotabato Outlet is considered regional outlet, we are also looking forward to launch premium annotation wherein the general public can file their request concerning corrections on birth and marriages and death directly at the regional outlet, instead of transmitting those request documents at the central office”, ANS Grande exerted.

Furthermore, Ms. Cristina Callao, Regional Operations Lead Mindanao CRS ITP2, reiterated a statement of the ANS Grade, “In the eyes of the people, we are one PSA. Always make sure that to apply and implement business protocols, and whenever you go to work, it should always be with the purpose that we wanted to serve the general public”, Ms. Callo enjoined Unisys personnel. After the RSSO BARMM building soft opening, the launching highlights the CRS-ITP2 Go Live, which was assisted by Unisys personnel. The event aimed to demonstrate step-by-step procedures on the application of any desired civil registration documents using enhanced CRS-ITP2 system.

Finally, the launching of the CRS-ITP2 unveils new features of CRS-ITP2 include Security Paper (SECPA), QR codes on every page of civil registry documents to verify authenticity, unique transaction numbers per document, and serial numbers.

ENGR. AKAN G. TULA
OIC-Regional Director