Members of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) convene during the 16th IGRB meeting in Davao City on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)
COTABATO CITY—In pursuit of moving the peace process forward, the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) activated on Nov. 9, the seven (7) mechanisms that shall serve as the basis for all laws and policies enacted by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament (BTA) Parliament.
The IGRB, established in 2019 by virtue of Section 2, Article VI of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), aims to coordinate and resolve intergovernmental relations issues between the national government and BARMM through regular consultation and negotiation.
The mechanisms include the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum (PCBFF), Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board (IFPB), Joint Body for the Zones of Joint Cooperation (JBZJC), Intergovernmental Infrastructure Development Board (IFPB), Intergovernmental Energy Board (IEB), Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board (BSDB), and the Council of Leaders (COL).
Accompanying these mechanisms are a set of rules and regulations that delineate how the Executive Department of the National Government will execute them.
Mohagher Iqbal, IGRB co-chair, stressed that the ongoing negotiations between both governments, through the IGRB, pave the way to an empowered collaboration.
“Slowly, we are strengthening the foundation—one that I hope will transcend the transition period—through our shared values of respect, among others, as well as our mutual commitment and efforts to resolve issues in a non-adversarial manner,” said Iqbal.
Additionally, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. said on Nov. 14 during the 1st BARMM Legislative General Assembly in Davao City that the established mechanisms had commenced the process of creating significant institutions beneficial for both parties.
“We are not dependent on one group or certain individuals alone. We are dependent on the institutions that will continue to work no matter what happens in the political sphere,” Pres. Marcos said.
IGRB Co-chair Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) then expressed her optimism about the country’s economic development in conjunction with the Bangsamoro region.
“In our journey toward achieving a future-proof and sustainable economy, no Filipino is left behind, including, most importantly, the Bangsamoro,” Sec. Pangandaman stated.
The activation of the seven IGRB mechanisms aligns with the first priority under Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s Enhanced 12-Point Priority Agenda, focusing on evolving a strong, responsive, and relevant BARMM bureaucracy through the enactment of the remaining priority codes and legislation. (Johamin Inok/BIO with reports from OPAPRU)
