On the first day of the Convention, Atty. Joseph Peter "Jopet" Sison, President of the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, will talk about the marriage laws in the Philippines. Afterwards, court decrees and legal instruments affecting marriages will be highlighted in a paper presentation by the Office of the Solicitor General.

The second day focuses on sharing of learnings on marriage registration from the points of view of mayors, civil registrars, and consular offices. Presenters include Baguio City Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan, Municipal Civil Registrar Victor Terry A. Medina of Mabalacat, Pampanga, and Assistant Secretary Jaime Victor B. Ledda of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, Laoag City Civil Registrar Lilian R. Abijero will provide a comprehensive discussion on marriage registration concepts and procedures while National Statistics Office (NSO) - Region XI Director Jaime S. Paller will present the important facts and figures on Philippine marriages for the period 2004-2008.

The NSO's experience in the cancellation of Certificate of Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM) will be shared by NSO-National Capital Region Director Lourdes V. Homecillo on the last day of the Convention. Likewise, NSO-Region II Director Anabelle C. Langbayan will tackle some issues and concerns faced by solemnizing officers.

The 7NCSO also paves the way for discussion of other matters relevant to marriage solemnization and registration. Mr. Joseph Cajita and Mr. Robert Joseph Coronado of NSO will brief the participants on the two newly developed systems, Philippine Civil Registration Information System (PhilCRIS) and Solemnizing Officers' Information Systems (SOIS), respectively. Former NSO Administrator and Civil Registrar General Tomas P. Africa was also invited to share his expertise on integrity and governance in his paper "Ten Characteristics of Servant Leaders."

Expected to grace the three-day affair are Socio-Economic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Cayetano W. Paderanga Jr. who will be the keynote speaker during the Opening Ceremonies; Laoag City Mayor Michael V. Fariñas; and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos. NSO Administrator and Civil Registrar General Carmelita Ericta will cap the convention with synthesis and future directions.

Registration for the convention is ongoing. Interested parties are requested to contact Ms. Editha R. Orcilla, Chairperson of the 7NCSO Program and Invitation Committee, at telephone numbers (02)-9261075 or via e-mail at E.Orcilla@census.gov.ph