Simunul, Tawi-Tawi – In a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and social welfare, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), distributed official birth certificates and essential welfare goods to 100 Badjao children in Simunul town on December 17, 2024.
The event marked a momentous occasion for the Badjao community, whose members often face challenges in accessing basic services due to the lack of legal identity documents. Recognizing the importance of birth registration, MSSD collaborated with local government units (LGUs) and UNHCR to ensure that these children receive official documentation, granting them access to vital services such as education, healthcare, and social protection.
Ensuring Rights Through Identity
The initiative, under MSSD’s Children and Youth Welfare Program (CYWP), highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). By providing official birth certificates, the program empowers the Badjao children to claim their rights and access opportunities previously out of reach.
Simunul Municipal Social Welfare Officer Leah T. Duhaylungsod emphasized the significance of birth registration in improving the quality of life for marginalized communities.
“A birth certificate is more than just a piece of paper. It’s a gateway to opportunities and a foundation for a dignified life,” Duhaylungsod stated during the event.
Supporting Families with Welfare Goods
In addition to issuing birth certificates, welfare goods were distributed to the children and their families to help address their daily needs. Each child received food packs, which included one sack of rice, assorted canned goods, and instant coffee, providing essential nutritional support.
The distribution was attended by key officials, including UNHCR Protection Associate Meriam Faith Palma, Simunul OIC Mayor Hadji Faisal Malande, and staff from the MSSD Simunul Unit Office. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort to uplift the lives of marginalized communities and support their integration into society.
A Brighter Future for the Badjao Children
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to foster social welfare and inclusivity in BARMM, particularly for Indigenous and marginalized groups like the Badjao. By addressing the critical issue of legal identity and supporting families with essential goods, MSSD and its partners aim to provide a brighter and more secure future for these children.
The birth certificate distribution serves as a step towards empowering the Badjao community, ensuring that their children can participate fully in society and access services that every child deserves.
