Members of the Bangsamoro Economic Development Council (BEDC), led by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, along with local chief executives such as Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua, Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael “Mang” Sali, Sulu Governor Abdulsakur Tan, Basilan Governor Jim Salliman-Hataman, Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali Bruce Matabalao, Isabela City Mayor Roderick Furigay, and CBCS Chairman Guiamel Alim, gather for a photo session after the 2nd Regular Meeting of C.Y. 2023 on September 8, 2023 in Zamboanga City. (Benyamen Cabuntalan/BIO)
ZAMBOANGA CITY—BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim discussed strengthening ties with the local government units (LGUs) to expedite project implementation in the region on Friday.
During the 2nd Bangsamoro Economic Development Council (BEDC) Meeting for CY 2023, Chief Minister Ebrahim stressed the importance of further strengthening collaboration between regional and local government, specifically in prioritizing infrastructure projects.
“The BEDC meeting is actually prioritizing the coordination between the BARMM government and the local government in the area. So, gusto nating ma-harmonize ‘yong mga programs ng BARMM at local government units,” Ebrahim said.
“As far as BARMM is concerned, we are prioritizing more on infrastructure, so yun ang pinaka malaking budget sa year 2023-2028, which is P594 billion,” he shared.
He highlighted the pivotal role of each local government unit in streamlining and fast-tracking the completion of programs, projects, and activities across the Bangsamoro region.
Accordingly, the coordination and participation of the governors and mayors are very important in the implementation of plans and programs lined up.
Governor Abdusakur Tan Sr. of Sulu said, “regular meetings like this, especially face to face, are very important because our relationship is strengthening.”
“We want to seize the opportunity and suggest enhancing our ports, so we could cater to bigger ships not only from or to Zamboanga but also to Davao, Cebu, and even Manila,” Tan said.
“We also take the opportunity of requesting to enhance our runways so that bigger airplanes could land at our airport. With our assurance, Mr. Chairman, na susuportahan natin ang mga programa ninyo at hindi naming sasayangin ang opportunity na ito,” the Governor stressed.
Meanwhile, Basilan Governor Jim Salliman also appealed to the BARMM Government, saying, “mag-propose kami ng international port dahil na-declare naman iyong functionality natin; pangalawa ay iyong airport natin, in fact, nag-invest na ang local government, purposely may initial implementation of the program.”
As the chairman of the council, Chief Minister Ebrahim shared the significant progress of the BARMM region, such as the unprecedented influx of over P3.1 billion in investment pledges, which include the creation of significant economic initiatives like Sulu Ecozone, the economic extension of Tawi-Tawi seaport, opening public markets in Basilan and Maguindanao del Sur.
Ministers, local chief executives, and leaders present during the meeting included Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua, Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael “Mang” Sali, Sulu Governor Abdulsakur Tan, Basilan Governor Jim Salliman-Hataman, Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali Bruce Matabalao, Isabela City Mayor Roderick Furigay, Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama, Minister of Social Services and Development (MSSD) Atty. Raissa Jajurie, Minister of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) Hussein Munoz, BEDC Vice-Chairman Engr. Muhajirin Ali, Members of Parliament Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, Atty. Ubaida Pacasem, and Architect Eduard Guerra, and CBCS Chairman Guiamel Alim, among others. (Majid Nur/BIO)
