LMP wants to ensure newborn registration

CEBU, Philippines - The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) partnered with a non-government organization to push for registration of newborn babies for them to immediately avail of security paper birth certificates.

LMP, through its national president Donato Marcos of Paumbong, Bulacan entered into a memorandum of understanding Plan International, represented by its country director Carin van der Hor for the purpose.

The MOU is aimed to protection children against exploitation and discrimination and ensure their right to education and safe environment.

“We want to say no to late registration and the P140 payment by raising awareness on our advocacy. We will strive to provide them immediately after birth. When the child will start to go to classes, problems will arise from the absence of their security paper birth certificate and more,” Marcos said.

Today, security paper birth certificates are issued by the National Statistics office (NSO) at P140 each.

Marcos further added that this will not affect the fiscal budget of the municipalities.

According to the latest data from the NSO, two out of 10 infants are not registered at birth and the number is slightly higher for girls.

Those who are not registered become victims of assault and trafficking. Others are deprived to go to school or secure a job.

Van der Hor also said the agreement with the LMP will increase awareness on child’s rights.

“This will have a positive impact because we protect children by giving them their identity on paper. Birth registration is a child protection tool that guarantees children to a name and nationality,” Van der Hor added.

Marcos said the LMP is committed to improve the quality of life of their constituents and the signing is one of their efforts.  (FREEMAN)