The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Negros Oriental is calling on the public to avail free services offered by the local government units (LGU) in line with the 35th Civil Registration Month celebration this February.

Engineer Ariel Fortuito, chief statistical specialist and PSA-Negros Oriental head, said in an interview yesterday that LGUs usually cover the fees for these documents, including certificate of no marriage record, birth registration, and marriage certificate.

“All LGUs are mandated to celebrate Civil Registration Month and the PSA is invited in many activities, such as mass weddings and birth registration,” Fortuito said.

“Most of the LGUs waive their fees for late registration applicants and those seeking certification from PSA for a negative certification.”

A negative certification is issued by PSA reflecting that there are no records anywhere in the Philippines for the document being requested, such as for birth, death or marriage.

Some LGUs also provide lechon and even a simple feast to the newly-wed couples during mass weddings, he added.

The local Civil Registrar’s Office is also on hand to cater to applications for registration.

The PSA is also incorporating the Philippine Identification System registration for a national ID.

This year’s celebration theme is “Building a Resilient, Agile, and Future Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System.” (PNA)