In a significant move to improve civil registration, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has introduced digital birth registration equipment to several municipalities in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City. The equipment was officially handed over at the Community and Family Services International office in Iligan City, marking a pivotal step towards modernizing the region’s civil registration processes.
The initiative, which saw representatives from Masiu, Butig, and Marawi City receiving the new technology, is designed to bolster the efficiency of Municipal Civil Registrar offices. By digitizing birth records, the project aims to expedite the process of obtaining legal identity documents, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations, including children impacted by conflict and marginalized groups.
Raissa Jajurie, the Minister of Social Services and Development for BARMM, emphasized the importance of this project in a statement, highlighting its role in strengthening civil registration systems across the region. The initiative not only supports the normalization efforts of the Philippine government by prioritizing decommissioned combatants and their families but also aligns with broader goals of inclusive development and the protection of fundamental rights.
The MSSD-BARMM expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from international partners like UNHCR and JICA, noting that such collaborations are crucial for ensuring that every child in the region has access to their right to a legal identity through efficient and accessible civil registration services. This partnership underscores BARMM’s dedication to advancing the welfare and rights of all its residents.