1. Provides over-all direction in the formulation of plans and programs, policies, rules and regulations in carrying out the provisions of the civil registry law and other laws on civil registration including the registration of authority to solemnize marriage and compilation, generation and dissemination of information obtained from civil registry documents;
2. Coordinates with NSO Regional Offices and other organic units of the agency on matters related to the programs and projects of the department;
3. Monitors the implementation of the work plan and activities of the divisions in the department;
4. Provides directions with respect to:

• Archiving of civil registry documents, specimen signature of the local civil registrars and other authorized personnel.
• Registration of solemnizing officers and issuance of certificates of registration of authority to solemnize marriage.
• Processing of documents affecting the civil status of persons
• Processing of petitions for correction of clerical error and/or change of first name
• Compilation, generation and publication of vital statistics derived from civil registry documents
• Civil registration policies and advocacies

5. Provides directions for the efficient frontline services to the public on civil registration matters;
6. Monitors the performance of frontline service to the public in the field offices;
7. Coordinates with various government and non-government agencies for the implementation of the programs, projects and activities regarding civil registration;
8. Provides technical assistance to NSO field offices, local government units, national and international agencies and other private institutions and individuals on matters related to civil registration;
9. Reviews press releases, special releases, vital statistics reports and other studies prepared by the divisions in the department before these are published;
10. Maintains assistance desk to address the concerns of civil registrars; and
11. Performs other functions as maybe assigned from time to time.