Japan to help BARMM in digital birth registration 

The Japanese government on Monday vowed to extend support to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Sulu Province on the promotion of digital birth registration of individuals. 

According to the Embassy of Japan in Manila, “The Project for Promoting Digital Birth Registration of Populations at Risk of Statelessness in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)” seeks to digitalize the civil registration processes of Local Civil Registrars. 

It also aims to bring mobile birth registration activities closer to vulnerable areas so that residents may easily access them. 

“This Official Development Assistance (ODA) underscores Japan’s greater confidence in realizing human security that accommodates the region’s diverse people,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said in a press release. 

The embassy said that the project was implemented by UNHCR, with funding worth JPY 858 million (USD 5.5 million) grant. 

This will also enhance the facilitation of birth registration of Sama Bajaus or unregistered children in the context of forced displacement due to armed conflict in the region, the embassy added. 

Kazuya said that by providing birth documents to these populations who are at risk of statelessness, they will gain greater access to government services, education, and employment opportunities.

“The program will benefit at least 130,000 unregistered individuals in 50 communities situated in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, with 800,000 more indirectly benefiting in the next 10 years,” Kazuya said. 

Kazuya had handed over vehicles, a motorboat, and advocacy kits, which are expected to help in ensuring faster and more comprehensive dissemination of information on the importance of birth registration in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. —LDF, GMA Integrated News