The Office for the Other Bangsamoro Communities (OOBC) gathers Local Government Units (LGUs), sectoral representatives, various line agencies, and Muslim community leaders from Region XII during the Other Bangsamoro Communities Mapping and Needs Assessment (OBC-MANA) held on Sept. 17–19, 2024, at Microtel by Wyndham, General Santos City. (Comenei Ali/BIO)
GENERAL SANTOS CITY—The Bangsamoro Government’s Office for the Other Bangsamoro Communities (OOBC) convened representatives from Local Government Units (LGUs), youth, women, and Muslim leaders from Region 12 to address socio-economic issues facing Bangsamoro communities outside the region.
OOBC Executive Director Noron Andan emphasized during the event on Sept. 17 to 19, 2024 held in this city the importance of recommending systematic programs to ensure equitable development for all Bangsamoro.
“The event is meant to be a bridge and an access for the Bangsamoro outside the region and to allow their needs to be heard. We’re here to listen because they are part and involved in peace process and struggles of the Bangsamoro leaders, that is why OOBC was established to meet their needs,” Adnan said.
He highlighted the need for cooperation between BARMM and neighboring governments to implement effective programs addressing the specific needs of these communities.
“Through these efforts we can ensured that no one shall be left behind in BARMM government programs. Then the OOBC will work with other BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies to carry out initiatives that will address the needs of the said communities,” he said.
Participants raised concerns such as peace and order issues, particularly family feuds, cultural sensitivity, poverty, lack of madrasah infrastructure, limited economic opportunities, and absence of Islamic financial institutions.
Annie Pineda, representing the Provincial Government of North Cotabato, praised the initiative, stating, “We are happy to collaborate with OOBC. This action will allow us to create more projects that benefit Bangsamoro communities outside BARMM.”
She also underscored that the presence and initiative of OOBC can help the provincial government in combating cultural discrimination and promote Bangsamoro products.
Participants look forward to projects such as infrastructure development, halal-friendly tourism, agricultural support, scholarships, technical skills training, madrasah construction, and financial support for Islamic teachers.
The next assessments are scheduled in the Zamboanga Peninsula, CARAGA, Region X, Davao Region, and MIMAROPA. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
