BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi – The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) hosted on August 27-30, 2024 the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) 2nd Joint National Advisory Council (NAC) and National Technical Working Group (NTWG) field visit in the province of Tawi-Tawi.
The three-day visit was simultaneously held at four municipalities: Bongao, Panglima Sugala, Simunul, and Sibutu, with the aim to engage 4Ps beneficiaries, healthcare workers, and municipal advisory councils to address issues and enhance the program’s implementation.
With the theme “Sailing to the South: Navigating the Program’s Impact in the Bangsamoro,” the activity brought together members of the NTWG, the Bangsamoro Regional Advisory Committee, and other stakeholders to share insights and develop comprehensive strategies for more effective interagency and intergovernmental cooperation.
Board Member Dayang Karlsum S. Jumaide, representing the provincial government, welcomed the guest and participants on behalf of the provincial governor. “We are thankful to the National Government and BARMM for including Tawi-Tawi in this program and helping the poor household and Pantawid beneficiaries thru the difficult times,” she said.
Dr. Maria Corazon Dumlao, Chief Program Officer of DepEd’s Bureau of Learner Support Services, highlighted the importance of the visit, saying “this field visit is a significant opportunity for the NAC and NTWG to look at the progress and impact of the program implementation in BARMM.”
“This field visit, just like our previous visit activities, is expected to serve as a venue for mutual learning and contribute in strengthening national and local collaborations for the program,” she said.
Meanwhile, MSSD Minister Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie proudly welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts.
“Surely, 4Ps cannot be implemented in the region by MSSD alone as poverty alleviation needs a whole of government and a whole of society approach,” Jajurie said.
In her speech, the minister highlighted Bangsamoro Government’s achievements in reducing poverty, noting, “BARMM made a lot of progress during the transition, with its wider powers and resources, the BARMM reduced the poverty incidents from 52.9% in 2018 to 23.5% in 2022.”
Jajurie expressed optimism about future progress, saying, “We are inspired to work even harder and stronger with national government and development partners towards the same direction of eradicating poverty, and bringing peace and justice in our homeland.”
“May the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, as well as other national funded programs and the BARMM regional programs, be our vehicle to sustainable development and durable peace”, she added.
The ongoing collaborative efforts between the national government and BARMM ministries continues to drive efforts towards an empowered, cohesive, and progressive Bangsamoro region. (Laila Aripin/BIO)
