COTABATO CITY โ The Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC) highlighted regional milestones and approved key resolutions during its third regular meeting on October 9, 2024.
Chaired by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim and vice-chaired by BPDA Director General Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, MNSA, the meeting convened key stakeholders, chairpersons of sectoral committees, provincial governors, city mayors, and private sector representatives within the BARMM.
In his message, Chief Minister Ebrahim highlighted the historic decline in BARMMโs poverty incidence, which has been reduced by half during the transition.
โThe recent data revealed a significant decline in poverty incidence in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, dropping from 52.6 percent in 2018 to a remarkable 23.5 percent in 2023,โ Chief Minister Ebrahim emphasized, referring to the 2023 Official Poverty Statistics released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
He attributed this achievement to the concerted efforts of key sectors such as governance, infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, education, healthcare, social protection, and peace-building, in combination with the regionโs quick-gains impact programs.
โThe substantial improvement in the BARMM has attracted a significant investment of Php 4 billion this year alone, even though 2024 is not yet over,โ the Chief Minister added, crediting the regionโs improved peace and security for attracting investors to BARMM.
He further underscored the Supreme Courtโs decision affirming the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which validates the decade-long peace process that led to the creation of the BARMM. However, Chief Minister Ebrahim expressed his concern about Suluโs exclusion from BARMM.
โSulu is not only a vital component of the Bangsamoro by law but also by its deep historical and cultural ties to the Bangsamoro identity and struggle. The Bangsamoro will never be complete without Sulu and its people,โ Chief Minister Ebrahim stressed.
Meanwhile, several proposed resolutions were endorsed to the BEDC to enhance the socioeconomic landscape of the BARMM. These resolutions were deliberated and approved by the council during the meeting.
The council approved the endorsement of the project entitled โPromoting Youth Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Employment Opportunities in the BARMM (Pro-Youth in Agriculture)โ to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). This project aims to boost youth participation in agriculture by fostering self-employment through agri-based enterprises in priority crops, fisheries, and livestock, as well as creating wage employment opportunities in the sector.
The council also approved the endorsement of the proposed โTechnical Assistance Support for Performing a Health Infrastructure Service Delivery Assessment in BARMM to NEDA and the Department of Finance (DOF). This project will conduct a comprehensive assessment of health infrastructure services and aims to create a long-term masterplan to guide future investments in the region.
Furthermore, the BEDC adopted the Bangsamoro Tourism Development Plan (BTDP) which will serve as a blueprint for the organized development of BARMMโs tourism industry. The plan outlines policy reforms, identifies key tourism areas, and prioritizes programs to ensure sustainable growth in the region.
To promote the rights of children as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the council approved the Regional Plan of Action for Children (RPAC) 2024-2028. This plan will guide regional stakeholders in enhancing the well-being of marginalized and disadvantaged children.
As part of assessing the regionโs socioeconomic performance, the BEDC adopted the Bangsamoro Development Report (BDR) 2023. This report highlights BARMMโs overall performance, sectoral accomplishments, challenges, opportunities, future directions, and recommendations for improving performance in the succeeding years.
To ensure the welfare of senior citizens in the region, the council approved the creation of the Bangsamoro Senior Citizen Sub-Committee (BSCC) under Social Development Committee (SDCom). This committee will coordinate, evaluate, and monitor the implementation of laws and programs aimed at promoting the social protection and welfare of senior citizens in BARMM. The BSCC seeks to create supportive environments for the elderly and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with national and international standards.
Moreover, the council approved a request for support in addressing the declining number of passengers on Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights between Cotabato City and Tawi-Tawi. Key suggestions included enhancing tourism infrastructure in Tawi-Tawi, improving telecommunications services, and designating Tawi-Tawi as a barter hub and duty-free zone to boost economic activity.
The council also approved the accreditation of three Private Sector Organizations (PSOs) to the BEDC. The Integrated Resource Development for Tri-People, Transforming Fragilities, Inc., and Concerned Alliance of Professionals and Students, Inc. have been qualified after successfully passing the thorough screening conducted by the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA).
To streamline and enhance the application and registration process for PSOs, the council adopted the PSO-BEDC online accreditation platform. This platform will simplify the registration process and increase the visibility for PSO programs and projects. The BEDC serves as a policy-making body focused on socioeconomic development and investment promotion within the Bangsamoro region. It also provides recommendations on economic policies and coordinates with various stakeholders to enhance regional economy.