Sebaste, Antique – Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Antique Provincial Statistical Office, in collaboration with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of Sebaste, held a program for the awarding of free Certificates of Live Birth (COLB) in Security Paper (SECPA) to 91 beneficiaries of the Birth Registration Assistance Project (BRAP) across various barangays in Sebaste on August 5, 2024, at the Sebaste Municipal Hall.

The issuance of COLBs in SECPA is a crucial step in securing the rights and privileges of every Filipino. It provides a valid and authenticated proof of identity, which is essential for accessing education, healthcare, and other social services. This initiative reflects the commitment of the PSA and the LCRO Sebaste to promote inclusive development and improve the quality of life for the residents of Antique. Also, this ongoing collaboration underscores the importance of accurate civil registration and the role it plays in nation-building.

In his welcome speech, Municipal Administrator Atty. Bulos emphasized that the BRAP is a crucial project of the government that ensures inclusivity in the communities. This point was also echoed by ROI Malabanan in her message. Malabanan further expounded the importance of birth registration and how having an official proof of identity benefits each individual in various aspects of their daily lives.

The ceremony was attended by PSA Antique representatives, Registration Officer I Shanel A. Malabanan, Birth Registration Coordinators Ember Grace Dioso and Bryan Noel Marzoña, LGU Sebaste officials headed by Hon. Mayor January C, Padpad, together with Municipal Administrator Atty. Isabelo P. Bulos, Barangay Captains, Municipal Civil Registrar Rona T. Rendon and staff, and the 91 beneficiaries from  barangays Abiera, Aguila, Alegre, Aras-asan, Bacalan, Callan, Idio, Nauhon and Poblacion. 

Pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1106 declaring the years 2015-2024 as Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CVRS) Decade, BRAP aims to increase civil registration in marginalized communities, particularly those belonging to the Indigenous Peoples (IP), Muslim Filipinos, and the poorest sector. The requirements for late registration of births under the said project are relaxed, the issuance of certification of negative registration is free, late registration penalties are waived and the PSA copies of COLB in SECPA are issued for free.

Presently, the province of Antique submitted 15,468 names through the Municipal Local Registry Offices out of the 14,360 target beneficiaries.  Out of 11,762 negative certifications received, 3,018 were successfully registered and endorsed and 2,368 PSA copies of COLB in SECPA were distributed to the beneficiaries.