KABACAN, NORTH COTABATO—Sectoral representatives from the 12 barangays in BARMM’s Special Geographic Area (SGA), along with BARMM officials, conducted a multi-sectoral dialogue on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
The event is in line with the implementation of “Communicating the Achievement of the Region to the grassroots communities (CARE-BARMM)”—a project of United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD) with The Asia Foundation (TAF).
A total of 60 community leaders—composed of youth, women, Indigenous People, Christian settlers, and traditional and religious leaders—were invited and discussed pressing issues in the region.
The participants represented the Barangays of Tupig and Manrapan in Carmen; Barangays of Semoni and Pedtad in Kabacan; Barangays of Batulawan and Bagoenged of Pikit Cluster I and II, respectively; Barangays Dungguan and Tapodoc Aleosan Pikit Cluster III; Barangays Damatulan and Mudseng in Midsayap; and Barangays Datu Mantil and Balakayon in Pigkawayan—all were part of the 63 brgys. in North Cotabato that opted to join BARMM during the plebiscite held in 2019.
Dr. Rahib Kudto, National President of UNYPAD, said the event is relevant and timely considering that BARMM is still in the stage of building strong foundations of governance and efficient bureaucracy.
“I want to highlight that one of the central functions of civil society organizations in a democratic system is advocacy work. We should stand up for the most vulnerable sectors of society,” Kudto said.
Based on the recent consultations conducted by the group, it was reported that Bangsamoro constituents usually ask about the status and development of the peace process, particularly on normalization. They also inquire about mechanisms they need to comply with for them to avail basic services.
“Isa sa kanilang mga recommendation ay direktang makausap ang ating BARMM leaders, kaya naging dahilan ito ng pagkaroon ng leaders’ dialogue. Ang UNYPAD ay nag-fa-facilitae upang maiparating ang hinaring ng mga mamamayan at marinig ang mga programa at proyekto ng ating mga opisyales, leaders, members of parliamnent sa SGA-BARMM,” said by Morsidin Husain, UNYPAD-DMC director.
Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Majority Floor Leader Atty. Lanang Ali Jr. shared the importance of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB) and its implementing law, which is Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
“Andito tayo ngayon sa implementation stage [ng peace process] at mababasa niyo ito sa CAB. Ang ginagawa namin sa transition period ay institution building mula sa dating ARMM na dating unitary system papuntang parliamentary system of government,” Ali Jr. explained to the participants.
During the event, some members of BTA Parliament, including ministers and their representatives from different ministries, also shared their priority programs, projects, and expounded vital information about BARMM parliamentary system that the communities need to know. (Bangsamoro Information Office)
