The Bangsamoro Government conducts a convergence activity in Marawi Convention Center, Marawi City, in celebration of its 6th founding anniversary. (Norjana Malawi/BIO)
MARAWI CITY — Thousands of residents from across Lanao del Sur made their way to Marawi Convention Center on January 23 to take part in a convergence activity as part of the 6th Bangsamoro Foundation Day (BFD) celebration.
The activity was an opportunity for the constituents to access much-needed services as the Bangsamoro Government, through a collaboration of key ministries, brought its programs directly to the people.
The ministries of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) and Transportation and Communications (MOTC), and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) led this year’s BFD celebration in the province.
MHSD made dreams come true by awarding housing units in Barangay Gindolongan Alabat, Masiu, Lanao del Sur.
A medical mission was organized by the Ministry of Health’s Integrated Provincial Health Office (MOH-IPHO) and the Office of the Chief Minister’s (OCM) Marawi Rehabilitation Program. Families lined up for free consultations, mental health services, circumcision (Operation Tuli), and eye screenings – services that many in remote areas rarely have access to.
Education and financial support were also at the forefront as the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) awarded cash grants to BASE and BASE-Merit grantees. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and Project TABANG (Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan) distributed food and non-food items to various sectors, including women, senior citizens, and other marginalized groups.
To ensure every constituent’s access to the venue, the MOTC implemented its free transportation program dubbed ‘Libreng Sakay’. It also offered an amnesty program waiving penalties for vehicle registration.
As the celebration unfolded, speeches from government officials emphasized the significance of the occasion. MOTC Minister and BTA Deputy Speaker Atty. Paisalin Tago reminded the constituents of the sacrifices made to achieve autonomy in the Bangsamoro region. “We have to preserve the fruits, sacrifices, sweat, and tears of our mujahideen,” he remarked.
Tago also expressed his gratitude to the constituents, saying, “We thank you for your support of the BARMM for the last six years. In shaa Allah, this year, we will have more developments in the region.”
In his message, MHSD Minister Atty. Hamid Amminodin Barra highlighted the theme of gratitude during the celebration. “We are grateful for our ancestors, who sacrificed everything to fight for our right to self-determination. We are grateful that, to this day, we remain united for that cause. Most importantly, we are grateful to Allah (SWT) for guiding us throughout our journey to establish the Bangsamoro Government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Provincial Governor Dr. Mamintal Alonto Adiong, Jr. reaffirmed the province’s commitment to moral governance. “We remain as one with the Bangsamoro Government in upholding moral governance because I believe that progress, peace, and a brighter future should align with ethical and moral contexts,” he stated. (Norjana Malawi/BIO)
