31 January 2024. Zamboanga City. The Philippine Statistics Authority Civil Registration Service, led by Assistant National Statistician Marizza Grande, collaborated with Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health Initiative, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation (CDCF), and facilitated by PSA BARMM Registration Officers from Regional and Provincial Offices. They conducted the Consultative Workshop on the Improvement of Registration in BARMM from January 29th to 31st, 2024, at Yakan Hall, Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City.

Officials from PSA BARMM, under the leadership of Engr. Akan G. Tula, were in full attendance, and the event was graced by Deputy National Statistician Clemente S. Manaog, MNSA. The workshop was attended by City/Municipal Local Civil Registrars (C/MCRs) from various BARMM provinces: Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Also present were Municipal Health Officers in BARMM, Shari'ah Circuit Court Registrars, MSSD, and CRMC personnel.
The workshop aimed to:

•    Identify major issues related to completeness, quality, efficiency, and timeliness of registration processes, as well as the registrant experience.
•    Determine ways for LGU involvement in birth, marriage, and death registration.
•    Develop strategies to address identified issues and enhance processes for birth, marriage, and death registration.
•    Create a roadmap for improved processes in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

In his welcome message, Engr. Tula stated, “This workshop is a crucial step in addressing the challenges and gaps in the registration of vital events in the region. The registration of vital events is not merely a matter of record-keeping; it is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of a just and equitable society. It is the gateway to accessing essential services, ensuring one's legal identity, and safeguarding individual rights.” He also added, "In BARMM, we are confronted with challenges that impede the effective registration of these pivotal life events. We face common challenges such as customary practices, the convergence of diverse religions, beliefs, and the practicalities of our fellow Bangsamoro. These are a few facts contributing to the low registration of vital events in our region. Thus, this workshop serves as a pivotal platform for us to collectively examine and revisit these challenges, share our experiences, and develop strategies for enhancing the vital registration system. By bringing together a diverse array of perspectives and expertise, we can identify barriers, explore innovative solutions, and pave the way for a more inclusive and efficient registration process. It is through collective efforts that we can effect meaningful change and ensure that every individual in the region is empowered to assert their rights and access the services they are entitled to. Let’s harness this opportunity to lay the groundwork for a more just and inclusive vital registration system in the BARMM region."

DNS Manaog also added that the workshop provides an opportunity to understand the root cause of the problem: low registration in the region. He emphasized that in an LGU, only Civil Registrars have the sole authority to register vital events in every municipality. They also hold the key to improving registration in their respective jurisdictions. The impact of not having registration can be generational. The change or improvement lies in the hands of registrars. The change in the life of every individual with their vital events registered enables access to essential services in all sectors, which is a positive outcome of a registrar's work.

ENGR. AKAN G TULA
OIC-Regional Director