COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) has accredited 307 youth organizations across the Bangsamoro region and outside its areas, signifying “a strong vigor among youth for a desirable change in their communities.”
BYC Chairperson Marjanie Macasalong said the overwhelming number of organizations that underwent accreditation sends a signal that young leaders and change-makers are putting a step forward in contributing to development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“This means more youth are organizing and mobilizing themselves for an envisioned social change in their local communities, and a manifestation of their sturdy commitment for their self-development and growth as youth,” said Macasalong who is also a member of the Bangsamoro Parliament.
Macasalong added that accreditation at the BARMM’s BYC serves as the organizations’ legal identity and will open opportunities for them to engagements and participation in development-related programs of the Bangsamoro Government and other development partners.
The accredited organizations, Macasalong added, may also become beneficiaries of BYC development programs and humanitarian assistance.
“The accreditation will pave the way to more empowered youth organizations and skilled youth leaders through their partnership with BYC-BARMM and other non-government and civil society organizations and partners,” Macasalong said.
Presently, there are 103 youth organizations accredited in Lanao del Sur, 105 in Maguindanao, Cotabato City and 63 barangays from North Cotabato, 21 in Basilan, 23 in Sulu, 41 in Tawi-Tawi, and 14 in areas outside the Bangsamoro region.
The accreditation is among the priorities stated in the Bangsamoro Youth Transition Priority Agenda (BYTPA) 2020-2022.
The BYTPA is the Bangsamoro Government’s youth development agenda “that addresses the peculiar social context, considerations, and conditions as well as the pertinent needs and challenges confronting the Bangsamoro Youth.”
Macasalong added that the youth agenda adheres to the vision, mission, and framework of the National Youth Commission’s Medium Term Philippine Youth Development Plan.
The priority agenda was officially adopted by the Bangsamoro Government in September 2020. (Bangsamoro Information Office)
