Socioeconomic Planning Secretary ROMULO L. NERI (right) receives a congratulatory handshake from RAMON M. MATABANG (left), President of the Philippine Association of Civil Registrars (PACR), after receiving a plaque of appreciation as guest speaker during PACR’s 8th National Convention held at the Manila Hotel recently. Secretary Neri, in his speech, highlighted the civil registrars crucial role in continuously adopting measures to improve the Philippine civil registration system. He also encouraged the convention participants “to engage in a spirit of cooperation towards the implementation of a unified, multipurpose ID system, as mandated under Executive Order 420 issued by the President last April 13, 2005.” In response, the PACR submitted a document to Sec. Neri, to be forwarded to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, stating the association’s commitment to excellence in civil registration.