The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Japan on Tuesday, 28 January, formally turned over a project aimed at addressing birth registration issues in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The handover ceremony for The Project for Promoting Digital Birth Registration of Populations at Risk of Statelessness in BARMM was attended by Ambassador Endo Kazuya, Director Hasim Guiamil of the Programs and Operations Services, Ministry of Social Services and Development of BARMM, and UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo.

In his speech, Ambassador Endo expressed hope that the project “will be a success and prove to be instrumental in the attainment of an enduring peace and prosperity that will cascade over the generations to come.”

The Government of Japan provided a ¥858 million (approximately $5.5 million) grant to enhance birth registration for Sama Bajaus, unregistered children due to forced displacement from armed conflict, and former combatants and their families in BARMM.

The 30-month project, implemented by UNHCR, aims to benefit 130,000 unregistered individuals and indirectly reach 800,000 more over the next decade. The turnover of computer servers is expected to improve the efficiency of birth registration procedures in municipal civil registrar offices.

By providing birth documents to populations at risk of statelessness, the project will help improve access to government services, education, and employment opportunities.

Targeting 50 communities in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, the project will continue to support vulnerable populations until December 2026.