A student from the Mindanao State University-Maguindanao writes his commitment for the 2nd Bangsamoro Development Plan during the 3rd league of the regionwide campus tour organized by the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) on June 21, 2024. (Photos by Benyamen Cabuntalan/BIO)
DATU ODIN SINSUAT, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE— Students and faculty from the Mindanao State University-Maguindanao (MSU-Maguindanao) campus pledged their support for the region’s development goals.
On Friday, June 21, around one hundred students from the said learning institution attended the 3rd league of the regionwide campus tour organized by the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), which primarily aims to communicate the 2nd Bangsamoro Development Plan 2023-2028.
Attending students who actively engaged in a dialogue with officials from the BPDA affixed their signatures to the commitment wall, affirming their support for the BDP.
“Talon ko sa nga kakilala ko, para sa BARMM,” a commitment written in Maguindnaon vernacular by one of the students.
[I will let others know the BDP, for the BARMM]
While others promised to cascade the goals and thrust of the BDP, others expressed their aspirations for the Bangsamoro people.
“I want to see a brighter future for BARMM through realizing its plan,” one of the students wrote.
On top of the students’s commitment, the school’s management also pledged its support through Dr. Arceli Naraga, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development.
“MSU-Maguindanao stands ready to support the 2nd BDP on its implementation,” Naraga said, underscoring the university’s commitment to being a center of knowledge and innovation, offering valuable insights and solutions to the challenges confronting BARMM.
Launched in April last year, BARMM’s second BDP serves as a guidepost that underscores the development thrusts, priorities, and strategic directions of the Bangsamoro Government for the years 2023 to 2028. The development plan was carefully crafted to sustain the gains achieved by the BARMM government from 2020 to 2023, as outlined in the first BDP.
BPDA Director-General, Engr. Mohajirin Ali, who personally graced the occasion, said that it is important to engage the academic community since they are one of the major stakeholders consulted during the drafting of the BPD.
“Through this platform, we aim to provide clear and comprehensive answers to your queries regarding the plan and the implementation of the programs and projects for the academic sector,” Ali said, stressing that “awareness is very crucial”.
BPDA confirmed that the campus tour will continue in other provinces, including Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and even the Special Geographic Area (SGA). (Abdullah Matucan/BIO)
