BARMM-MOST Galvanizes ‘Research and Development’ Agenda for Regional Development
COTABATO CITY (May 02,2024) — In an effort to propel the Bangsamoro region’s scientific and technological landscape, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) convened the 5th Bangsamoro Research and Development Council (BRDC) Meeting on April 30, 2024, in Cotabato City, BARMM.
The event, held at the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) Office, pooled over forty members from different ministries and offices engaging them to a strategic discussions aimed at amplifying research and development (R&D) endeavors across the region.
Under the stewardship of Engr. Aida Silongan, Minister of MOST and Chair of BRDC, alongside esteemed figures like Bangsamoro Director-General Engr. Abdulrakman Asim and Director II Nasrudin U. Buisan, DiSDS, the meeting navigated through various focal points vital for fostering innovation and progress.
The agenda included the unveiling of the Draft Harmonized BARMM Research and Development Agenda 2025-2030, providing a roadmap for strategic R&D pursuits tailored to regional needs. Updates on resolutions and bills were also deliberated, emphasizing the collaborative spirit essential for policy formulation and implementation.
The participants also tackled the establishment of the Ligawasan Marsh Research and Development Center (LMRDC), a project poised to harness the region’s ecological richness for sustainable development.
Discussions surrounding a proposed bill aimed at fortifying R&D endeavors in BARMM underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing a conducive environment for scientific exploration and innovation.
Moreover, the unveiling of the BRDC logo design and the call for membership applications from academia, civil society organizations (CSOs), and industry stakeholders underscored the inclusive approach adopted to galvanize R&D efforts. Emphasis was placed on fostering collaboration and synergy among stakeholders to address prevailing challenges and unlock new avenues for growth.
Delving into the scientific career system and updates from MOST, particularly regarding the call for proposals for 2025 funding, showcased the government’s proactive stance in supporting research initiatives. The meeting reiterated the significance of collaborative partnerships in driving R&D excellence and fostering a culture of innovation within the Bangsamoro region.
Operationalizing BARMM’s Executive Order No. 04, series of 2021, the BRDC emerges as a linchpin in coordinating scientific and technological research endeavors across ministries, agencies, and offices within the BARMM. By forging strategic alliances with regional science and technology-oriented entities, the BRDC aims to elevate the region’s R&D competitiveness and chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity. (Hasna U. Bacol, BMN/Bangsamoro Today)
