THE CIVIL Registrar’s Office (CCRO) reported a total of 27,310 delayed births registered in 2025, representing a 6.12% decrease from 29,090 in 2024.
Nenita Hementera, CCRO Birth Division head, attributed the decrease to stricter requirements for the applicants.
“We have observed a reduced number of delayed births as applicants have to deal with stricter documentary requirements compared to previous requirements,” Hementera said during the Ispeak Forum on Thursday, Jan. 22.
A delayed birth registration is the process of recording a birth after the standard 30-day period.
The requirements for a delayed birth include a PSA Negative Result proving the person is not registered in the country; a joint affidavit of two disinterested persons; any documentary evidence, including the child’s baptismal certificate, medical records, school transcripts, voter certification, Philhealth’s member data record, Postal ID, and service record (if employed).
“It should be indicated in the documents the place of birth, exact date of birth, and correct name,” Hementera said.
Meanwhile, immunization cards are required for babies, and barangay certification (for 12 years old and below) if delivered through home birth.
However, following Memorandum Circular 2024-17 issued in 2024, the additional requirements include 2 pcs of 2×2 picture with white background; National ID; barangay certificate of residency (parents and registrant); personal appearance for 18 years and above; birth certificate of parents with any valid government ID, marriage contract for married parents, and death certificate of parents (if deceased); and cedula.
Adeline G. Batucan, Davao del Sur Philippine Statistics Authority chief statistical specialist, said the additional requirements will ensure that the process of delayed registration will not be abused.
“This is due to the cases where foreign nationals assumed a Filipino identity through delayed birth registration,” Batucan said.
She stressed that stricter guidelines and thorough verification stages are crucial to preserving the integrity of the civil registration system.
Hementera said the CCRO continues to provide services for late registrants in district offices in Paquibato, Bunawan, Buhangin, Toril, Tugbok, Baguio, Calinan and Marilog.
