ILOILO CITY (PIA) – – A total of 62 beneficiaries, mostly Indigenous People (IP) from a village in Iloilo province, received their birth certificates for free, ensuring them of their rightful identity and inclusion in the social protection programs of the government.
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Iloilo Officer-in-Charge and Supervising Statistical Specialist Ma. Goretti Novilla led the awarding of the free Certificates of Live Birth (COLB) in Security Paper (SECPA) to the beneficiaries, mostly members of the IP community from Sitio Igtuba, Barangay Camangahan in Guimbal town, during a simple rite held on July 11, 2024 at the municipal hall.
Beneficiaries availed of the free birth certificates under the PSA’s Birth Registration Assistance Project (BRAP), a significant step towards providing essential documentation to underserved communities that ensures they have access to various social services and opportunities.
PSA–Iloilo said the BRAP initiative also continues to pave the way for inclusive development, bringing hope and assurance to many, especially the poorest sector in the country.
The awarding ceremony was a testament to the ongoing efforts of the government to bridge gaps and foster a sense of belonging among all members of the community.
As reported by PSA – Iloilo, beneficiaries gave emotional messages of gratitude to PSA and the office of the Municipal Civil Registrar of Guimbal for their untiring efforts to provide services to their community during the ceremony.
According to them BRAP has made them feel recognized and valued within the community. For the elderly, this allowed them to get free birth certificates which they will use in availing their social pension, and for the children, to use as a vital requirement in school.
Data obtained from PSA Iloilo showed that around 2,377 COLBs printed in SECPA, were already issued free of charge, since the BRAP was launched in the city in the province of Iloilo in March 2022. (AAL/LAF/PIA6-Iloilo/PSA-Iloilo)
