NextGen Day

MANILA – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has hailed the leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for its commendable efforts in ensuring greater multi-sectoral inclusivity within its developmental and peacebuilding endeavors.

The commendation came shortly after BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim convened the inaugural general meeting of the Council of Leaders on August 9th. This council is one of the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) bodies established through the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in 2018.

Under the purview of the BOL, which birthed the BARMM, the Council of Leaders holds the critical mandate of advising the Chief Minister, particularly in matters about regional governance.

Addressing the council, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., who administered the oath-taking ceremony of council members, hailed the establishment of the Council of Leaders as “a remarkable stride” for the BARMM government.

Lagdameo, entrusted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to oversee government initiatives within the BARMM, emphasized that the council “provides an avenue for addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and fostering consensus on pivotal issues.”

He added, “Through the convergence of diverse voices, perspectives, and expertise, the Council can assume a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the Bangsamoro region. It ensures that all stakeholders’ needs and aspirations are acknowledged and genuinely considered.”

Lagdameo underscored the significance of a collaborative approach, highlighting how it cultivates a sense of trust and shared responsibility. This, in turn, fosters sustainable development and stability within the governance framework of the region.

In a parallel stride, Amenah Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Marcos administration towards advancing the Agenda for Prosperity within the BARMM.

Pangandaman highlighted that a substantial portion of the PHP5.768 trillion 2024 National Expenditure Program for Fiscal Year 2024, namely PHP80.6 billion, is dedicated to local government units within the BARMM. This allocation aims to actualize the national government’s vision of elevating the quality of life for the Bangsamoro populace.

Further illustrating their commitment, she noted, “An additional PHP5.3 billion has been allocated for the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) or the Peaceful and Resilient Communities Program.”

Within the PHP5.3 billion earmarked for PAMANA, PHP2.5 billion is specifically designated for infrastructure development projects within the BARMM.

“Ang Bagong Pilipinas ay nagtutulungan at nagkakaunawaan sa kabila ng pagkakaiba ng relihiyon, kulay at pinagmulan. At ang Bagong Pilipinas ay mas pinatatag ng pagkakaisa (The New Philippines is about helping and understanding each other despite differences in religion, color, and origin, and the New Philippines is further strengthened by unity),” she expressed.

Meanwhile, Presidential Assistant David Diciano, representing OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., underscored the pivotal nature of convening the Council of Leaders.

Diciano emphasized, “This Council is a testament to the indispensable nature of intergovernmental relations. Together, we persist in enhancing governance systems within the Bangsamoro through collaborative mechanisms and partnerships.”

He added, “The composition of this Council mirrors the ‘jointness’ of our governments. Every intervention we embark upon is a product of synergy and complementation. This is the force of convergence.”

Diciano pointed out that the Council’s formation facilitates active engagement between the BARMM government and local chief executives on governance matters. Moreover, it provides a platform for the more effective execution of the Normalization Program.

The Normalization Program, a pivotal tenet of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB), endeavors to integrate combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) back into mainstream society as peaceful and productive individuals.

Diciano affirmed, “We concur with Chief Minister Ebrahim that establishing inclusive governance is a top priority. By ensuring the meaningful involvement of local and sectoral leaders in the BARMM, their voices are amplified and their capacities empowered.”

He concluded, “By enhancing public service delivery, we commit to allocate much-needed resources efficiently. This, in turn, ensures that community-oriented initiatives will yield the greatest possible impact.”

As delineated in Section 9 of the BOL, the Council of Leaders is spearheaded by the BARMM Interim Chief Minister. Its membership encompasses provincial governors, chartered city mayors, congressional representatives within the region, and representatives of various sectors, including traditional leaders, non-Moro indigenous communities, women, settler communities, the Ulama, youth, and Bangsamoro communities outside of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

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