Diane Hora | iMINDSPH
The BARMM Government is commemorating the 5th Founding Anniversary of the region with the theme "A Journey Towards Mutual Understanding, Peace Co-Existence, and Shared Future in the Bangsamoro," which, according to Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim illustrates the collective aspirations of the Bangsamoro people for unity, enlightenment, self-governance, peace, moral uprightness, and progress.
"On January 21, 2019, we witnessed the result of our courage and hope. We saw how our people decidedly and unanimously ratified the Bangsamoro Organic Law that paved the way for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Alhamdulillah," said CM Ebrahim. "Five years on, our journey towards building an empowered, cohesive, and progressive Bangsamoro continues to be filled with positivity and inspiration," added BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.
Chief Minister Ebrahim reminded everyone that the path to peace and meaningful autonomy required decades of struggle and sacrifice, especially from the Bangsamoro Mujahideen and individuals who dedicated themselves to ensuring peace and socio-economic development in the autonomous region.
"We in the Bangsamoro Government can do what we do because we are standing on the shoulders of our Mujahideens. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat," added BARMM Chief Minister Ebrahim.
Ebrahim thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., international partners, local stakeholders, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, and LGUs in BARMM, who played a significant role in the gains of the peace process.
"Though the journey ahead may be rough and challenging, the vision of our right to self-determination is within reach of every Bangsamoro. This year is the last full year of the extended transition period; let us make the most of the opportunity given to us to be of service to the people," stated the Chief Minister.
BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama emphasized that the five years of Bangsamoro governance symbolize the Bangsamoro people's unity, harmony, and solidarity in achieving peace, development, and self-determination.
"Today, as we witness the fruits of our five years of building our foundation, we are now witnessing in our lifetime its peace dividends. Undeniably, we see substantial changes in our different sectors – the economic, social, infrastructure, peace and public safety and security, and development administration or governance sector," added Maslamama.
The 5th Foundation Day of BARMM is also celebrated in the province of Sulu.
The celebration started with a motorcade, which was participated in by various ministries, offices, and agencies in the province.
It commenced at the BARMM Capitol Site, heading to Kasulutan, Umangay Beach, Bus-Bus, Alat, Kilometer 2, Zack Musa, Latih, and Sanitarium, and ended at the Sulu Capitol Gym.
The Ministries of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) and Public Order and Safety (MPOS) led the celebration.
In Lanao del Sur, over two thousand employees from various ministries, agencies, offices, and institutions participated and enjoyed the celebration, which started with a parade.
Starting from Marawi City Hall and culminating at Sarimanok Stadium, several programs prepared by the province took place. Booths were also displayed inside the stadium, open to the public who wish to see locally made products and avail of free services until January 26, 2024.
The celebration in the province was led by the Ministry of Transportation (MOTC) and the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD).
The provincial government of Tawi-Tawi also held a motorcade, which various agencies of the province attended.
It started at the MBHTE Complex, passed through the Bongao Municipal Hall, continued to Sanga-sanga, and concluded at the MBHTE gymnasium for the program prepared by the province.
The Ministry of Social Services and Development led the celebration in Tawi-Tawi, with various activities and programs expected from the province.
The celebration also brought significant turnovers and distributions in various ministries.
In a ceremony held at the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) Grounds on Tuesday, Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) Executive Director Ameen Andrew Alonto officially handed over the Bangsamoro Gazette to BARMM Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun.
The Bangsamoro Gazette, a collection of official documents, will be prominently displayed at the Bangsamoro Library and Archives, ensuring transparency and public access.
To aid those affected by Typhoon Paeng, MHSD Minister Hamid Aminoddin Barra handed over 50-unit housing projects and 100-unit tool kits to Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Marshall Sinsuat.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) also contributed to ongoing assistance by distributing five cadaver transport vehicles, with Deputy Minister Dr. Zulkarnain Abbas leading the distribution process. MOH also provided incentives for barangay health workers and support for needy patients through the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) program.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Minister Engineer Aida Silongan distributed science laboratory apparatus, Android tablets, processing equipment, and an Early Warning System to Cotabato City's local government.
With the celebrations continuing, other ministries are expected to conduct project distributions in the coming days, benefiting their respective programs and beneficiaries.
On Wednesday, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in collaboration with the DBM Regional Office XII and the BARMM Government led by the Ministry of Finance and Budget and Management, Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, and the Office of the Chief Minister–Bangsamoro Information Office brings the Open Government campaign or OGPinas! to the region which seeks to provide an avenue for citizens to access information, encourage civic participation, and strengthen public accountability.
Comments