Students and faculty members of Cotabato State University (CotSU) participate in the first leg of the regionwide campus tour on information and dissemination campaign about the 2nd Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) 2023-2028, organized by the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) on May 29, 2024, in Cotabato City. (Marhom Ibrahim/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Government, through its development agency, launched a significant initiative to enhance academic engagement in the region’s development agenda on May 29 and June 1, at Cotabato State University (CotSU) in this city.
Almost 200 students and faculty members of CotSU attended the first leg of the regionwide campus tour organized by the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA).
This initiative aims to foster dialogue and inform the academic community about the 2nd Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) 2023-2028.
BPDA Director-General Engr. Mohajirin Ali led the BARMM 2nd BDP 2023-2028 campus tour underscoring the vital role of academic institutions in the region’s development.
“Campus tours are an effective way to personally communicate and see the situation of schools in the Bangsamoro region,” Ali said.
He emphasized that the education sector is a primary focus of the BARMM Government, aligning with the 12-Point Priority Agenda of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim.
Ali further explained the Government of the Day’s commitment to providing infrastructure, resources, and manpower support to schools in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE).
During the forum, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue through an open forum where key issues related to the BDP were addressed.
BPDA Director Melanie Indar encouraged students to actively participate in disseminating accurate information within their communities.
“We urge you to cascade to classmates, family, and friends that the regional government has a concrete plan for the BARMM constituents,” Indar emphasized.
Launched in April 2023, the second BDP outlines the development priorities and strategic directions of the Bangsamoro Government for 2023-2028, building on the accomplishments from the first BDP (2020-2023).
Abdulbashit Samad, 23, president of CotSU Student Council, expressed gratitude for the platform provided by BARMM, saying, “Student participation is very important as young people will be the next generation to fill the roles of our present leaders.”
CSU President Dr. Sema Dilna expressed heartfelt appreciation to the BPDA and the BARMM Government for their engagement with the university, acknowledging the significant impact on the academe’s ability to voice their needs and perspectives.
The campus tour will continue across selected academic institutions within BARMM, aiming to engage a broader audience and foster greater participation in the region’s development agenda. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
