The Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) on Wednesday said the peace agreement between the between the state and the Bangsamoro government “cannot fail” as the world is looking at it as an example of peace.
During the turnover of the third progress report and the first under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., IGRB co-chair and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) secretary Amenah Pangandaman said peace in the Bangsamoro is a world issue. The IGRB is tasked to coordinate and resolve issues between the national government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“As we turn over our third progress report, I want to emphasize that the success of BARMM is not only a matter of concern for BARMM Region, but also a top priority of the Philippine government as we want to ensure lasting peace and economic development in Mindanao,” she said.
“In fact, beyond being a matter of national interest, the success of BARMM is also a world issue because the world is looking to BARMM to be the shining example of peace. Hence, I must emphasize that we cannot fail,” she added.
The BARMM officially took over on Feb. 26, 2019, after the creation of the Bangsamoro was approved in January of the same year. Election for the BARMM’s first parliament is scheduled in May 2025.
In its progress report, the IGRB cited its accomplishments for 2022 to 2023 including the entry of 396 qualified Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members into the Philippine National Police (PNP).
National government agencies such as the Department of Health, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) have also turned over its properties and assets to the Bangsamoro government.
The IGRB said it has also operationalized seven of the mechanisms—the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum, Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board, Joint Body for the Zones of Joint Cooperation, Intergovernmental Infrastructure Development Board, Intergovernmental Energy Board, Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board, and the Council of Leaders.
“As we commemorate the sixth anniversary of Bangsamoro Organic Law, from which the mandates of the IGRB emanate, I am honored to submit this report which not only outlines achievement of the current IGRB but also encapsulates our hard work and dedication in realizing our aspirations for a BARMM that is the epitome of fulfilled promises, peace, and progress,” Pangandaman said.
For his part, Marcos said the government is on track towards the peace transition in BARMM, as he said it now possesses the necessary platforms to ensure greater collaboration, coordination, and cooperation with the Bangsamoro government.
“I reaffirm once again, the national government’s unwavering commitment to helping and assisting the Bangsamoro Government in all of its endeavors as we continue with important process for, not for, not only for Muslim Mindanao, not only for the Southern Philippines but for the entire republic,” he said.
“So together, let us continue to build a future, where peace, progress, and unity prevail. May our collective efforts to bring about positive change for the BARMM and our nation be realized sooner rather than later,” he added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
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