Since 2024, the Heart-Heart Foundation Philippines Branch has been implementing the project
“Promoting the Rights of the Mangyan through the Strengthening of Maternal and Child Health”
in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines.
Community members gathered to join the community-based campaign
As part of this project, on August 7, 2025, in celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples,
a community-based awareness campaign was held in Sitio Latag, a predominantly Mangyan community.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples:
Observed annually on August 9, this UN-designated day aims to honor and respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Birth registration booth
In the Philippines, birth registration must legally be completed within 30 days after birth.
However, for the Mangyan people, who mostly live in geographically isolated mountainous areas,
facility-based delivery is often not possible.
Children born at home often remain unregistered,
leaving them without legal identity and excluded from even the most basic social services.
Residents completing their birth registration
During the campaign, a birth registration booth was set up.
For many Mangyan families, the costs of transportation and registration make it nearly impossible to travel to town
and complete the birth registration process on time,
especially when children are born at home.
The campaign therefore emphasized that birth registration is the first step in realizing the rights of Mangyan families.
As a result,
41 residents—ranging from a 2-month-old infant to a 71-year-old elder—were able to begin the birth registration process,
enabling them to access education, healthcare, and social services.
One remarkable case was a 71-year-old elder registering her birth for the first time.
This highlighted the long-standing absence of legal identity endured by many Mangyans,
while also symbolizing their determination to claim their rights.
Residents receiving health services
At the campaign site, the Municipal Health Office (MHO), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS),
and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) collaborated to deliver integrated health services.
Through maternal and child health consultations, pregnant women and children were able to receive proper care.
Children’s height and weight were monitored to assess their growth,
and parents were given personalized advice on balanced meals
and the importance of breastfeeding so they could practice nutrition management at home.
The campaign also addressed widespread vaccine hesitancy among the Mangyan,
explaining that immunization is an essential means of protecting children’s lives and rights.
In addition, for households with more than 10 children, family planning was introduced
and discussed as a strategy to improve the health and well-being of the entire family.
A Mangyan family
Another highlight of the campaign was the Father’s Training.
On the same day,
57 Mangyan fathers participated in a session recognizing their vital role as decision-makers in a traditionally patriarchal society,
and equipping them to actively support maternal and child health.
Fathers attending the training session
Trainers emphasized that safe delivery must take place in health facilities, which also enables immediate birth registration.
Fathers were encouraged to provide emotional support to their wives during pregnancy,
share household responsibilities, accompany them to prenatal check-ups,
and actively support their children’s education.
Through the training, fathers reflected on their roles and committed to taking active steps as fathers in the future.
A father participating in the training.
One father shared after the training
Our knowledge is often limited due to a lack of formal education. This program opened our eyes to our rights.
We now understand that we have the same rights as other citizens.
From now on, I will help ensure my wife and children can give birth safely and be registered immediately.
Group photo of the participating fathers
The community campaign and Father’s Training instilled the recognition that Mangyan residents, too,
can fully enjoy their rights.
For them, a birth certificate is not just a document—it is proof of existence,
and the gateway to education, healthcare, and social protection.
The knowledge and commitments gained by the fathers will guide them in safeguarding the health and rights of their families.
Staff members who supported the community-based campaign.
This campaign marked an important step for the Mangyan people in advancing their rights.
The Heart-Heart Foundation Philippines Branch will continue its efforts to ensure that every Mangyan
has both a name and the rights they deserve.
[The Heart-Heart Foundation Philippines Branch is implementing the project
“Promoting the Rights of the Mangyan through the Strengthening of Maternal and Child Health in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines (2024–2026)”
as part of the Civil Society Cooperation Program of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).]
