08 April 2025 – LIBACAO, AKLAN – A total of 109 Indigenous People in Brgy. Manika, Libacao received PSA copy of birth certificate free of charge courtesy of BRAP last April 08, 2025. The distribution of the birth certificate printed in SecPa copy was spearheaded by Chief Statistical Specialist, Engr. Antonet B. Catubuan and Ms. Ana Liza Liwayway Z. Lanciso, Municipal Civil Registrar of LCRO Libacao.

Among the recipients of this project, 50 percent (or 55 individuals) were children, 37% were adults, and 13% were senior citizens. The youngest beneficiary was just 1 year old, while the oldest was 89 years old. Brgy. Manika, with Sitio’s identified as least accessible, faces unique challenges. Many families in the area gave birth at home, and due to the financial cost of registration, they often neglect to register their children's births. Additionally, 
the Local Civil Registry Office in Libacao is located in the town proper, and the high fare costs discourage many families from pursuing the registration process. 
Through the Birth Registration Assistance Project, PSA Aklan together with Local Civil Registry Offices (LCROs) were working to address these issues and ensure that all individuals, regardless of age or background, have access to the necessary documentation they deserve.

The Indigenous Peoples of Manika expressed their gratitude for receiving their birth certificate for they can now use this as proof of their identity and can be use for enrollment, job applications and accessing government and social services which requires PSA birth certificates.

The Birth Registration Assistance Project is an initiative of PSA in collaboration and partnership with the Local Civil Registry Offices in Aklan which aims to increase the birth registration in the province particularly those belonging to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), poorest of the poor and Muslim Filipinos.

As of 10 April 2025, a total of 968 beneficiaries received their FREE PSA birth certificates distributed by PSA Aklan in the province. Among the 17 municipalities in the province, the highest number of recipients was recorded in Ibajay with 288 or 29.8 percent of beneficiaries, followed by municipality of Libacao with 204 or 21.1 percent of beneficiaries and Buruanga with 127 or 13.1 percent of beneficiaries benefited in this project. 

ENGR. ANTONET B. CATUBUAN
Chief Statistical Specialist