Basilan Strengthens Birth Registration through Japan-funded Initiative
Basilan Strengthens Birth Registration through Japan-funded Initiative
Supporting the Provincial Government of Basilan, the handover of transportation assets, livelihood, and seed grants under the Initiative for Promoting Digital Birth Registration strengthens local capacity to deliver inclusive birth and civil documentation services, and empowering families in conflict-affected and geographically isolated communities.
Lamitan City, Basilan – 21 May 2026 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, with the generous support of the Government of Japan, formally handed over three (3) vehicles and one utility boat to the Provincial Government of Basilan, at the Basilan Government Center in Lamitan City. The activity highlighted a strengthened commitment collaboration to advancing local governance and community development through a strengthened birth and civil registration system.
This milestone is part of the Initiative in Promoting Digital Birth Registration in the Bangsamoro region and Sulu, implemented in close collaboration with the Bangsamoro Government through the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), the Philippine Statistics Authority in BARMM, and in partnership with UNICEF and Relief International. Together, these partners aim to enhance local governments’ capacity to deliver inclusive birth and civil documentation services, particularly for conflict-affected and geographically isolated communities.
Conveying the MSSD’s deep appreciation for the support, Provincial Coordinator Ms. Nurhada A. Abdulkadir emphasized that the provision of assets, alongside youth advocacy initiatives and livelihood assistance for Sama Bajau communities, stands as a testament to the partnership’s commitment to tackling the low registration of birth in the region. “Today is about restoring identity, dignity, and hope to our people, especially to those who have long been at risk of being invisible in the eyes of the law,” added Ms. Abdulkadir.
In her message, UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo commended Governor Hataman’s leadership, recalling his role in enacting the Mindanao Muslim Autonomy Act 293 during his tenure as Regional Governor of ARMM. “We recognize that improving access to legal identity goes hand in hand with strengthening resilience and economic inclusion,” she emphasized.
The Provincial Government of Basilan extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Japan, UNHCR, UNICEF, and partners for their steadfast support in strengthening birth registration, civil documentation, and community empowerment initiatives across the province.
UNHCR appreciates the Provincial Government of Basilan for championing birth registration and demonstrating strong leadership in advancing inclusive civil documentation services that empower families and strengthen communities across the province
With the assets provided, the utility boat targets island communities in Basilan, strengthening birth registration initiatives and ensuring inclusive civil documentation services for families living in remote and hard-to-access areas.
UNHCR joins the Provincial Government of Basilan in reviewing the newly donated utility boat, underscoring their shared commitment to reinforce the aim of the birth registration project.
UNHCR, the Provincial Government of Basilan, and Relief International hand over livelihood certificates to Lookbisaya and Sangkahan in Al-Barka, reinforcing birth registration initiatives while sustaining disadvantaged communities through inclusive civil documentation and livelihood support.
A youth organization from Sumisip, Basilan receives a seed grant to mobilize advocacy campaigns on birth registration, reaching far‑flung communities across their town.
Donated vehicles strengthen Basilan’s birth registration services, enabling local officials to reach remote communities and ensure families secure vital legal identity.
In her message, UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo commended Governor Hataman’s leadership, recalling his role in enacting the Mindanao Muslim Autonomy Act 293 during his tenure as Regional Governor of ARMM. “We recognize that improving access to legal identity goes hand in hand with strengthening resilience and economic inclusion,” she emphasized.
By providing vehicles and a utility boat, this Japan-supported initiative gives the Basilan Provincial Government the means to travel by land and sea, reaching remote communities and ensuring families gain access to vital civil documentation and essential services.
As a response, acting Provincial Administrator Mr. Manny C. Muarip accepted the vehicles and utility boat on behalf of the Provincial Government. He expressed “I express my heartfelt gratitude for the enduring cooperation, as these resources will help Basilan reach its remote coastal communities and bring essential services closer to families who need them most.”
Building on this strengthened capacity, the event also marked a ceremonial handover of seed grants to youth advocates from Tipo-Tipo and Lantawan, Basilan, further amplifying efforts to promote legal identity, resilience, and inclusive civil registration.
With UNICEF’s support, youth networks secured seed grants and advocacy materials, turning passion into action. Child Protection Consultant Rasul Kulat shared how young people, rooted in their communities, carry the message of identity to remote families and advocate for inclusive birth registration.
Ms. Belbita Girah, one of the youth advocates and a proud Sama Bajau, champions her community’s inclusion through the Birth Registration Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations to End Childhood Statelessness (BRAVE) under this Japan-supported initiative. “Now, we are more confident in striving to uplift our tribe beyond the practice of non-registration,” she shared.
Expressing her gratitude for the initiative, Ms. Girah shared, “I am grateful for the opportunity given to us Bajaus. As members of a marginalized community where access to services and assistance is often limited, this support means a great deal to us.”
Moreover, the newly established Sama Bajau organizations in Lookbisaya and Sangkahan, Al-Barka, Basilan were awarded official certificates of handover for their Common Economic Facilities (CEF). These facilities, in collaboration with Relief International, will support seaweed farming and fish-drying activities, which improve sustainable livelihoods for the Sama Bajau people and reinforce their role in Basilan’s development.
This multi-sectoral engagement embodies a whole-of-society approach as it unites government, communities, civil society and other partners to confront the challenge of unregistered populations in the province and ensure that every individual is recognized, protected, and included.
Since its implementation in 2024, UNHCR with support from partners has registered more than 21,000 births, including over 14,000 children. The initiative aims to achieve at least 30,000 birth registrations across 50 municipalities in BARMM and Sulu by the end of 2026, marking a significant step toward ensuring legal identity and expanding access to essential services for vulnerable communities.