In a groundbreaking move to modernize public service delivery, the 20th City Council of Davao City has passed an ordinance mandating the digitalization of the city’s Local Civil Registry through the Civil Registration Information System (CRIS) Online. Approved on December 12, this initiative is part of Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s broader efforts to improve government services and make them more accessible to the public.
The ordinance tasks the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) with creating an online system to safely store and issue civil registry documents, such as birth certificates, marriage contracts, and death certificates. Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, Chair of the Committee on Information Technology, underscored the importance of this digital transformation in an interview with the City Information Office (CIO).
“There are still many manual processes, which makes it challenging to track the numerous documents at the City Civil Registrar’s Office (CCRO),” Militar explained. The CRIS Online system, he emphasized, will not only simplify but also expedite the retrieval of essential documents for Dabawenyos, eliminating the need for physical visits to the office.
Preserving History Through Technology
One of the significant features of the new system is the digitization of records, including those dating back to 1945. Using advanced scanning technology, the CCRO will convert hard-copy records into digital formats, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility. “All hard-copy records will be scanned and stored in the system, making retrieval faster and more efficient,” said Militar.
This move aligns with the city’s vision of enhancing connectivity and integration among government agencies. The CRIS Online system will be linked to other key institutions, including the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This interconnected network aims to streamline processes and improve service delivery across various sectors.
A Win for Convenience and Efficiency
The ordinance also provides for an online mechanism to facilitate the submission and registration of civil documents by partner organizations. This feature is expected to further reduce delays and bottlenecks in the current manual system.
The City Information Technology Center (CITC) is spearheading the development of the CRIS Online platform, with implementation targeted for early next year. “The system is already being developed, and we aim to roll it out early next year,” shared Militar.
Dabawenyos can look forward to a more convenient and efficient process for accessing civil registry documents. By embracing digitalization, the city government demonstrates its commitment to improving public service and adapting to the needs of a modern, tech-savvy population.
This landmark project underscores the transformative power of technology in governance and the potential to make public services more inclusive and responsive. As Davao City leads the way in digital innovation, it sets a precedent for other local governments to follow suit.