Office for Other Bangsamoro Communities (OOBC) Executive Director Noron Andan leads the mapping and needs assessment training for the other Bangsamoro Communities on Nov. 5-7, 2024 at Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay. (Marhom Ibrahim/BIO)
IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — The Bangsamoro Government’s Office for Other Bangsamoro Communities (OOBC) held a mapping and needs assessment training from Nov. 4-8, 2024, to support peace and development initiatives in Region IX.
The Office for Other Bangsamoro Communities (OOBC) spearheaded a five-day mapping and needs assessment training at Badsbrotel Suite in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, aimed at sustaining peace and development across Region IX.
OOBC Executive Director Noron Andan stressed the importance of gathering primary data from local communities for effective planning.
“Let’s engage in thorough discussions to ensure our efforts contribute to sustained peace and development in Region IX, covering the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay,” Andan stated.
He emphasized that accurate data will lead to well-informed recommendations for the Bangsamoro government.
“If we gather the right data, we can make informed recommendations to the Office of the Chief Minister for appropriate programs. These projects will be based on concrete data collected from diverse sectors, including women, youth, LGUs, national agencies, MILF, MNLF, tribal leaders, and settlers,” he added.
Andan further noted the significance of the initiative. “This is the right time and process to gather data directly for recommendations to the Chief Minister. Without plans and data, there is no funding. Your participation ensures that the challenges and needs of your communities are directly communicated and addressed.”
Ismael Mamiskal, a participant from MILF, highlighted the importance of inclusive consultations, particularly for communities outside the BARMM core area.
“We’re here to ensure our concerns are heard by the BARMM government. Our main issue is livelihood assistance. As the BARMM government said, ‘No one will be left behind,’ and we want to ensure we’re included,” Mamiskal remarked.
He added, “We are farmers and fishermen, and we hope for livelihood support in agriculture and fishing, along with skills training. This will help sustain peace and development in our region.”
Mamiskal expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you very much to BARMM, led by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim. At least we feel acknowledged by the Bangsamoro government.” (Majid Nur/BIO)
