Members of the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC) convene during its third regular council meeting on December 1, 2023 in Davao City. (Benyamen Cabuntalan/BIO)
DAVAO CITY—Bangsamoro Government is gearing up for significant advancements with plans to roll out a series of socio-economic and infrastructure development projects in the region.
These transformative initiatives gained approval during the third regular council meeting of the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC) on December 1 in Davao City.
Among the key outcomes of this significant meeting is the green light given to the proposed P141,894,298.03 budget for infrastructure projects at Mindanao State University-Maguindanao.
This approval positions these projects as integral inputs for the meticulous preparation of the 2025 budget. Furthermore, the BEDC endorsed the membership of five new Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and one Business Sector. The meeting also featured the unveiling of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority’s (BPDA) knowledge portal website.
BARMM Chief Minister and BEDC Chairperson Ahod Ebrahim presided over the meeting, joined by the Vice-Chairperson, Engr. Mohajirin Ali, Director-General of the BPDA.
The council also pondered on its key achievements which reflect BARMM’s steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable progress and addressing the evolving needs of its communities.
Acknowledging the council’s major achievements, Chief Minister Ebrahim highlighted the region’s notable milestones as a testament to individuals’ shared commitment to progress and development.
Ebrahim highlighted the successful launch of the Bangsamoro Food Security and Nutrition Plan 2023-2028 as a pivotal measure in ensuring the well-being of the people. Additionally, he noted the execution of the 1st BARMM Private Sector Summit and 3rd BARMM Planners’ Congress, both dedicated to shaping the future of the region.
Moreover, the Chief Minister acknowledged that, during its 5th meeting on November 2, the intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board approved guidelines on official Development Assistance Loans to the BARMM, paving the way for new avenues of economic growth.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the commitment, support, and dedication of the members had been the driving force behind the positive transformations taking place in the Bangsamoro region.
“As we celebrate our success, we must remain steadfast in pursuing aspirations for the Bangsamoro people,” he continued.
He further stressed, “We recognize that our work is far from over. Today, our focus is on creating mechanisms that will empower the Bangsamoro government to deliver effective and efficient services to our people.”
BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama, along with the Five Chairpersons of the Sectoral Committees, participated in the meeting, including Minister Eduard Guerra for Infrastructure Development, Minister Mohammad Yacob for Economic Development, Minister Raissa Jajurie for Social Development, Minister Hussein Munoz for Peace, Public Order, Safety, and Security, and a representative for Development Administration on behalf of former Minister of the Interior and Local Government Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo.
Provincial governors from Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi, along with representatives from Maguindanao del Sur and Sulu, were also in attendance. Four private sector representatives, and delegates from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, including Lawyers Lanang Ali, Jr., and Ubaida Pacasem were also present.
Key highlights from the council meeting included the approval and establishing of the Bangsamoro Planners Coordinating Committees (BPCC) and the Bangsamoro Private Sector Committee (BPSC).
Three bridges in Tawi-Tawi are now set for construction and additional members from entities like the Bangsamoro Transition Authority-Policy Research and Legal Services, the Office for the Other Bangsamoro Communities (OOBC), and Moropreneur, Inc. have joined under the Regional Statistics Committee.
The meeting also introduced the Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) under the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDCom), pending further discussion and review at the IDCom level.
Republic Act Number 11054, also known as the “Bangsamoro Organic Law,” designates the BEDC as the primary planning, monitoring, and coordinating agency for all development plans, programs, and projects of the Bangsamoro government. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
