A training program empowering Muslim religious leaders in the Province of Lanao del Sur to effectively promote birth registration within their communities through impactful Khutbahs (Friday sermons) and Muhadarahs (religious lectures). Organized by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society in partnership with UNICEF-UNHCR through the support of the Government of Japan. The initiative aims to significantly increase birth registration rates in the region, ensuring all children have access to their fundamental rights.
The three-day workshop commenced on June 10 and concluded on June 12, 2025, held in Mimbalot Hall, Go Hotel, Iligan City, and brought together 16 Khatibs (male religious leaders) and 5 Muhadirat (female religious teachers) from the priority city and municipalities of the province, to mention Marawi City, Balindong, Butig, and Masiu. Mulondo, Pualas, and Saguiaran. The training focused on integrating birth registration advocacy into their sermons and lectures, emphasizing its importance from an Islamic perspective.
The training emphasized the legal and social benefits of birth registration, explaining how it secures a child’s identity and access to essential services, and equipped participants with the knowledge to address common misconceptions and concerns regarding birth registration within their communities.
Datu Sofeier Adil, Senior Field Assistant, UNHCR, imparted the Overviews on Statelessness and its link to Birth Registration and the Initiative on Promoting Birth Registration in BARMM. Emphasized that working together with LGUs and engaging the communities will ensure the increase of birth registrations in the region.
Participants explored relevant verses from the Quran and Hadith to highlight the Islamic principles of protecting children’s rights and ensuring their well-being; they also actively engaged in interactive sessions and group discussions.
To strengthen their confidence and skills, participants underwent a practical session. They crafted compelling messages about the importance of birth registration through an effective Khutba and Muhadarah, witnessed by Sheikh Talal A. Sabpa, Islamic Researcher, Fatwa Division of the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta, BARMM and Khatibs from the municipalities of Pualas and Mulondo.
The said session will determine the participants’ learning and practices acquired during the inputs. The topic or the content will be the crucial part, the clarity of their voices, the audience engagement, and the time matters in the delivery of an effective Khutba and Muhadarah
“Huwag nyo pong kalimutan at lagi po ninyong isipin na inyo at mahalaga ang maitutulong inyo sa pagbabago lalong-lalo na sa proteksyon ng mga Kabataang Bangsamoro. In ShaAllah, lalaki sila na merong dignidad, protektado at matatamasa nila ang kanilang mga Karapatan”, a message from Ms. Rohannie Q. Baraguir-Datumanong, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF.
This training will significantly increase birth registration rates in the Province of Lanao del Sur, contributing to a more just and equitable society for children. The training program will also serve the Muslim Religious Leaders of the Provinces of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu.
“Every child has the right to a name and a place in this world.”
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