Bangsamoro in ‘Right Direction’

“Today, as we gather to commemorate that historic plebiscite – we recall not just the triumph of the ratification, but of our cause, the Bangsamoro cause, and honor those who sacrificed for thisdream,” Ebrahimsaid.

Sharing some of BARMM’s major accomplishments, Ebrahim said that to better appreciate the region s developments and overall direction is to take a look back at its predecessor – the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao(ARMM).

He said the comparison, however, does not mean to belittle the ARMM nor to undermine the efforts of the past administrations.

“Such comparison is intended to determine a benchmark to gauge the effectiveness of the policies and programs we are implementing. After all, anything less than the ARMM isunacceptable,” Ebrahim stressed.

Chief Minister admits though that the Bangsamoro Government still has many governance and developmentchallenges to overcome.

“We have faced many challenges together – from the seemingly endless wars and conflicts, through the struggle, sacrifices, and setbacks, the Bangsamoro has and will alwaysprevail. In shaa Allah,” Ebrahimsaid.

“As the theme goes, ‘Sama-Samang Pagtataguyod

Sa Isang Mas Mapayapa At Mas Masaganang Bangsamoro,’ we can onlybe successful if we are united,” he added.

Ending his speech, Ebrahim called on his fellow public and civil servants to continue serving the Bangsamoro with pure hearts and sincereintentions.

“Isantabi natin ang pansiriling interes at lagi’t lagi, dapat bangsamoro muna,” Ebrahim stressed. (With story from Bangsamoro Information office)

Abalos graces luncheon for Pagkakilalang Award

COTABATO CITY – Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) honored a luncheon meeting hosted by Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the Bangsamoro Ministry of the Interior and Local Government(MILG)recently.

SILG Abalos together with Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs and Special Concerns Atty Alfredo Bayan, arrived in Cotabato City to grace the PAGKILALALA 3rd Awarding Ceremony for Performing Bangsamoro Local Government Units hosted by the Ministry.

He sought the support of the MILG and theRegional Interior Sector in the implementation of the Department's anti-illegal drug program, the BIDA, Buhay Ingatan,Droga Ayawan. Aprogram thatis fully supported bythe Ministry as well.

The "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan" or BIDA Program anti-illegal drugs campaign is in line with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.'s administration's commitment to continue the campaign against illegal drugs "within the framework of the law, with respect for human rights, and with a focus on rehabilitation and socio-economicdevelopment."

According to him, the BIDA advocacy program builds on the best practices of previous DILG antiillegal drug programs and now focuses on combating the problem through demand reduction. The DILG Secretary went on to say that the key to successful illegal drug demand reduction is a grassroots-centered team approach that promotes anti-drug education at all levels, fromnational initiatives tobarangay activities.

The Secretary fully acknowledged each agency's functions and contribution to the ongoing maintenance of law and order under the Bangsamoro Government. He gave the Regional Directors specific instructions to work closely with the Ministry in order to best promote the Region's development through servicedelivery.

The meeting was attended by Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacau, Deputy Minister Abunawas Maslamama, Director General Engr Khalid S Dumagay, MILG Service Directors, and Provincial and City Directors.

Also in attendance were PRO BAR Regional Director PBGEN John Gano Guyguyon, NAPOLCOM BARMM Regional Director Atty Randy F Babao, BJMP BARMM JSSUPT Bermar B Adlaon, BFP BARMM Regional Director CSUPT Jerry C Lamanero, and other officials of the Interior Sector.