The European Union (EU), through the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, turns over two vehicles to the Bangsamoro Government’s emergency and technical operations January 16, 2023 in Cotabato City. (Michael Camsa/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Two vehicles intended to support the Bangsamoro Government’s emergency and technical operations were turned over by the European Union (EU), through the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme on Jan. 16, 2023.
The Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, the key leadership offices of the Bangsamoro Government, were the recipients of these vehicles.
SUBATRA is a 5-year program aimed at capacitating the Bangsamoro Government and civil society organizations, thereby facilitating a seamless and contemporary transition period.
EU Head of Delegation to the Philippines H.E. Ambassador Luc Veron underscored that the subject vehicles will upgrade mobility and swiftly address urgent needs, emergencies, and pressing concerns throughout the Bangsamoro region.
Moreover, H.E. Veron also stated that these interventions foster better allocation of resources, ensuring strengthened transparency and accountability.
He continued that several infrastructure projects are expected to be realized within the current fiscal year. These include the refurbishment of the BTA Parliament building facade and lobby along with the construction of two satellite offices of the Office of the President in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.
“All these materials, equipment, and infrastructure complement the robust technical assistance support provided for the BARMM in strengthening the institutional capacities of the regional authorities,” the Ambassador highlighted.
Further, SUBRATRA Programme Director Engr. Mohajirin Ali stressed that SUBATRA’s initiatives complement its technical assistance, designed to improve the operations of the Government of the Day during the transition period.
“Rest assured that EU’s investments in the BARMM through the SUBATRA Programme will go along the way,” said Engr. Ali, also the Director-General of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA).
It can be recalled in Jan. 2023 that SUBATRA handed over two mini coaster buses to the Bangsamoro Government to facilitate transportation during the conduct of the BTA Parliament’s public hearings and consultations for the passage of the remaining priority codes.
Moreover, it equipped various BARMM Ministries, Offices, and Agencies (MOAs) with hardware, IT tools, and systems, among others, which are essential in enhancing service delivery for the Bangsamoro people. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
