COTABATO CITY—To cap off the week-long celebration of Bangsamoro region’s 3rd founding anniversary, Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim delivered his ‘Report to the Bangsamoro’ on Friday, January 21, 2022.
“Today, we come together in remembrance of what might very well be the most noteworthy chapter of our recent history—the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the subsequent establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Chief Minister Ebrahim said as he recounted the victorious day for the Bangsamoro People on this day.
He discussed the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) accomplishments and challenges for the past three years and vowed to continue upholding Moral Governance in the region.
Some of what he mentioned were the successful submission of the transitional plan to the parliament on June 2019, which served as a basis and guide for the organization plan, scheduling of phasing out of employees, and other transition mechanism of the six (6) priority codes.
Three of these six priority codes have already been enacted—the Bangsamoro administrative code, civil service code, and the educational code. The local government code is now at the committee level, while the electoral code is yet to be discussed in the cabinet and is expected to be passed this year.
He also discussed and recognized the efforts and performances of various BARMM ministries and offices in implementing their respective programs and projects which led to better social and economic development results.
“To say that we have gone through a lot throughout this transition period is an understatement. But through our unity, cooperation, and strong commitment to remain true to our oath of Moral Governance, we are able to achieve milestone and overcome challenges after challenges,” Ebrahim stressed.
“As such, let us continue to serve the Bangsamoro with pure hearts and sincere intentions […] I am confident that together, we will continue to change lives […] and we will transform the Bangsamoro into a peaceful and progressive homeland,” he added.
As he continued, he also recognized the continuing support of the legislators and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the Bansgsamoro Government, as well as the approval of the transition extension period in the Bansgamoro.
“We are fortunate that we will have three more years to continue the very important and crucial transition period […] needless to say, we are delighted to have the continuing support of our legislators and our dear President. They, too, want the BARMM to succeed and continue its momentum to sustainable peace and development,” he said.
Before he concluded, the Chief Minister reminded the Bangsamoro people on the upcoming 2022 elections. He encouraged everyone to ensure a “free, honest, credible, and peaceful election”, hoping that whoever will be the elected officials shall put the Bangsamoro people above anything else.
“Nawa’y sila ay maging katuwang natin sa panawagan na isantabi ang pansariling interes—Bangsamoro muna,” Ebrahim said.
For the complete transcript of Chief Minister Ebrahim’s Report, click this link: https://bangsamoro.gov.ph/speech/chief-ministers-report-to-the-bangsamoro/
(Aisah Abas/Majid Nur/BIO)
