Minister Mohagher Iqbal, members of the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), ladies and gentlemen, Assalamu alaikum.
For this 13th Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) Meeting, we hope to have the same successful discussions as the previous ones where we made key decisions to ensure the delivery of quality public service to our citizens in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
As always, I am honored to co-chair with Minister Iqbal and have our esteemed executives from the National and Bangsamoro governments in full force to strengthen our efforts in setting the path for BARMM’s continuous development in social, economic, and cultural aspects.
Looking back, I am happy to note that we had a successful Inaugural Meeting of the IGRB in October and a fruitful engagement with legislative counterparts at the Inaugural Meeting of the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum (PCBPF). Just recently, the Senate members of the PCBPF were named: Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda as chairperson, and Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito, Francis Tolentino, Robinhood Padilla, and Aquilino Pimentel III as members. On the other hand, their counterparts in the House of Representatives will be determined next week.
Last December, the IGRB held its 12th meeting—and its first under the Marcos Jr. Administration—to discuss the mechanisms in ensuring that BARMM will be integrated into the country’s national development agenda. This was followed by the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board (IFPB) meeting co-chaired by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and BARMM Minister for Finance, Budget and Management Atty. Ubaida Pacasem. The IFPB discussed among others, the digitalization of BARMM’s tax system, and committed to ensure that BARMM’s financial needs are met.
These were just the start of a harmonious working relationship that has already resulted in many accomplishments.
In the past six months, the various technical working groups (TWGs) have started discussions regarding their respective agenda. Among the resolved issues are the conduct of the annual Hajj and Umrah and the very recent positive directive of the National Government regarding the nationwide recognition of Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office (BLTO) driver’s licenses and registration renewals.
And true to our vision of a BARMM that is thriving and a Mindanao that shines as a land of promise, we now have the Oversight Committee on Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act, pursuant to R. A. No. 11696. The Committee is composed of members from the House of Representatives namely, Cong. Yasser Balindong, Munir Arbison Jr., Sittie Aminah Dimaporo, Mujiv Hataman, and Paul Daza; and the Senate chaired by Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, with Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Robinhood Padilla, Aquilino Pimentel III, and Risa Hontiveros as members. As you may know, the rehabilitation and recovery of Marawi City is a project that is close to my heart as a fellow Maranaoan.
When it comes to the transfer of properties from the National government to the Bangsamoro government, various agencies have already given updates and committed their respective timelines. In fact, just this week, we received news about the Ceremonial Turnover of the LTO Maguindanao and Marawi City District Offices to BARMM.
Last week, we also joined the Consultation on BARMM Digital Transformation of Government-Public Financial Transactions and expressed our full support for their digitalization initiatives. As I have emphasized, collaborating with BARMM in their digital transformation journey is our way of helping in their mission to uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro.
With these achievements in only six-months time, I know that we will soon see a more united Philippines where no Filipino is left behind, not even those in the farthest areas of BARMM.
There is still much work to do ahead. But I hope that with these achievements in just a few months time, we are all inspired to continue working hard towards our Agenda for Prosperity in BARMM.
Now, let me take this opportunity to thank the Bangsamoro Parliament for the time, effort, and dedication that you have been giving in our collaborations. Together, we will harness nation-building with integrity and care for our people.
Today, we are all set to create new paths. As we widen our horizons—for BARMM, Mindanao, and the country—I pray that our meetings and discussions will continue to result in decisions that will help make peace and prosperity a reality for all of our people.
Maraming salamat po.
Mabuhay ang BARMM! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at mga Pilipino!
Assalamu alaikum.
