Minister of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo with various BARMM local leaders during the 1st BARMM Local Legislative General Assembly on Nov. 14, 2023 in Davao City. (Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO)
DAVAO CITY—Minister of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo encouraged vice-mayors and municipal councilors to work on legislating policies that will contribute to peace and prosperity in the region.
“I urge you to make use of your mandate and power to legislate laws and evolve policies that will contribute to bringing peace and prosperity to our region, so that our country may finally achieve its dream of development,” Minister Sinarimbo said during the 1st BARMM Local Legislative General Assembly on Nov. 14.
He said now is a great opportunity to examine and emphasize the substantial impact of legislative bodies at different government levels, considering their similarities and distinctions, ranging from barangays to municipalities, cities, regions, and the national level.
“Let us also take this opportunity to converse about how best we can bring your expertise and your unique insights of your respective communities to contribute to shaping institutions in the Bangsamoro government where you provide inputs even better,” Sinarimbo stressed.
Vice-Mayor Almedzar Hajiri of Lugus, Sulu, highlighted the significance of legislation, emphasizing the importance of its implementation for the improvement of BARMM constituents, whether through resolutions or ordinances.
Hajiri urged: “We need to do our work and never leave any stone unturned. We need better legislative leadership to do the right things and strengthen legislative capability to do things right.”
“I believe that quality public policy formulation is the key to BARMM sustainable peace and development, and we play a vital role on these as local legislators,” Hajiri, who also chairs the Regional Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines – BARMM, said.
VM Hajiri emphasized the diversity of BARMM, stating that they serve Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous Peoples. He said the legislative actions should reflect sensitivity to the needs of these varied communities. (Majid Nur/BIO)
