BM Donaal, Rules and Ethics Committee back digital registration of births, deaths, and marriages at KPH

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Rules and Ethics has endorsed for final approval a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will allow the Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) to digitally register births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events through a partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Led by Chairperson Board Member Christopher Donaal, the committee carefully reviewed the authority request of Governor James Edduba to enter into the agreement with the PSA during a meeting on Thursday, March 12.

After discussions, Donaal and the members of the committee—including Board Members Emilio Kitongan, Camilo Lammawin Jr., Romeo Saclag, Alfredo Dangani, and IPMR Michael Karel Sugguiyao—unanimously endorsed the request for final approval by the Provincial Board during its legislative session next week.

KPH OIC Chief Dr. Rey Aranca and a representative from the PSA were also present during the meeting to provide information about the proposed partnership.

Once formally approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Dave Odiem, the agreement will authorize KPH to use the PSA’s Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCRVS) web-based application system.

The system is designed to facilitate the digital registration and processing of civil registry documents such as births, deaths, marriages, and other events recorded in health facilities and local civil registry offices.

Under the terms cited in the MOA obtained by Guru Press Cordillera from a legislative staff member, the PSA will provide the necessary access credentials, a system installer through a virtual private network, and technical assistance for the implementation of the platform.

The Provincial Hospital, on the other hand, will designate trained personnel who will operate the eCRVS system and ensure that the required computer hardware and internet connectivity are available to support its operation.

KPH personnel assigned to the system will also undergo training to ensure the proper use of the application and adherence to civil registration standards.

The hospital is likewise required to comply with existing laws and regulations on the protection and confidentiality of civil registry data, including the proper handling of personal information.

The MOA, once signed by the involved parties, will remain effective for three years.

In an interview, Donaal explained that the proposed partnership will strengthen coordination between KPH and the PSA in improving the timeliness, accuracy, and security of civil registration in the province.