Butuan City launches online civil registry platform
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — “We aim that by the year 2026, there will be no new unregistered births in the city,” said Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun during the launching of the Butuan Civil Registry Information System (BCRIS) Phase I, marking a major step toward more efficient and modernized public service delivery.
Mayor Fortun also emphasized the importance of digital convenience that this initiative has brought, which aligns with his vision of providing proper, accessible, and citizen-centered services for Butuanons.
The Butuan City Civil Registry Department (CCRD) has upgraded its services through the launch of BCRIS Phase I on December 1. The system introduces a digital platform where civil registry documents can be requested and processed online, offering a faster and more convenient experience for the public.
This platform is part of the local government’s broader digitalization initiative, which aims to promote transparency, efficiency, and cost-effective public service delivery. By reducing long queues and minimizing face-to-face transactions, the city also strengthens data security and service accessibility.
According to CCRD, BCRIS will officially operate and open to the public on December 9, 2025, allowing Butuanons to request Certified True Copies (CTC) of Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates, as well as transcription services and other civil registry documents.
Individuals may submit their requests online through the BCRIS website. Once processed, CCRD will email a confirmation regarding document availability along with a payment order slip, which they can present to the cashier for payment and document pick-up.
Resident Josephine Belmonte welcomed the new initiative, saying it greatly benefits those who live far from the city or have busy work schedules. “This is a big help. We only need to visit the office once to claim our documents instead of coming back multiple times just to file a request, not just saving money but also time,” she said.
To further enhance convenience, the city government is considering integrating digital payment channels, toward fully streamlining citizen transactions and reducing physical visits to government offices.
Phase I of BCRIS is only the beginning of Mayor Fortun’s long-term digitalization strategy for the City Government of Butuan. Another phase is expected to follow, aiming to establish a more systematic and fully automated process on the civil registry. (MFC, PIA Caraga with a report from BCCRD)