In line with the global observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Foundation, Inc, Philippines, conducted a Birth Registration Awareness Program titled “Sa Ngalan ng Ina: Legal Identity and the Rights of Women” at Don Bosco TVET–Makati. The initiative highlighted the crucial role of legal identity in protecting women’s and children’s rights and in ensuring access to education, healthcare, and social services.

The program began with the welcome remarks of Club President Joanne Zapanta Andrada, who emphasized the importance of empowering communities with accurate information and accessible pathways to official documentation. The event was hosted by Atty. Ina Magpale and Atty. Ivi Valera, who introduced the theme and engaged participants through interactive discussions.

A keynote address was delivered by Ms. Lucena “Luchi” M. Flores, National President of the Philippine Association of Civil Registrars and City Civil Registrar of Caloocan. Flores discussed the legal foundations of birth registration, requirements and procedures, late registration guidelines, and consequences of lacking a birth certificate. She also presented available government programs that offer free or assisted civil registration.

Participants raised various concerns during the open forum and Q&A, many of which related to documentation errors, lack of records, and challenges in accessing government services. A video storytelling segment further illustrated the real-life difficulties encountered by individuals without legal identity documents.

As part of its continuing advocacy, the club identified 10 participants who will receive focused assistance for birth registration or correction of entries. These individuals underwent initial profiling during the event and will be referred to appropriate government offices and partner organizations for further processing.

The program concluded with a call to action encouraging the community to pursue proper documentation, assert their rights, and share information that could help protect other women and children from vulnerabilities linked to the lack of legal identity. Certificates and tokens of appreciation were also presented to the guest speaker and partner contributors.

Through this initiative, the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs reinforces its commitment to advancing women’s rights and ensuring that all individuals—especially mothers and children—have access to legal identity and the opportunities it enables.