BARMM, CARAGA leaders gain governance insights from educational visit in Metro Manila
COTABATO CITY (June 10, 2024) — Leaders and representatives from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and CARAGA regions concluded a four-day educational visit to Quezon City and Pasig City on June 2-5, 2024 aimed to observe and learn exemplary local governance practices that could be replicated in the areas.
The MILG said that the visit was organized by People in Need (PIN) as well as Maranao People Development Center Inc. (MARADECA) with support from the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) – University of the Philippines (UP), Diliman.
The delegation from BARMM, headed by the Ministry of Interior and Local Government included officials from Lanao del Sur LGUs, and civil society organizations among others. Mayor Vico Sotto for Pasig City while his counterpart at Quezon City, Vice Mayor Gian Carlo Sotto both gave a warm reception to the delegates as they shared insights into legislative initiatives, and community programs, among other initiatives.
Underlining the importance of the visit, MILG Minister MP Atty. Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba said, “This visit is a crucial step in our journey towards achieving a more inclusive and participatory governance framework in BARMM. By learning from the successful practices of Quezon City and Pasig City, we can adopt and tailor these initiatives to fit the unique needs of our communities.”
It also explored the legislative frameworks and engagement mechanisms that facilitate participatory governance. Further, the BARMM learned how Quezon City and Pasig City promote local stakeholders’ active roles in their governance structures and institutionalization of support for CSOs.
In the sessions, the technical teams presented successful community-led initiatives to underscore the power of community participation in local governance.
The MILG Minister recognized that by participating in barangay planning sessions and interacting with local officials, the BARMM delegates gained practical insights into grassroots governance and why community input is germane to decision-making. Besides, NCPAG-UP organized discussions about the importance of CSOs to local governance stressing their need for involvement in planning, monitoring, and implementing Local programs.
The visit provided the BARMM delegation with valuable knowledge and firsthand experience in participatory governance. The MILG said that based on what was observed from good practices during the program, BARMM has sought to replicate such activities aimed at enhancing governance and improving their peoples’ involvement across Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim’s more inclusive and participatory governance framework. (Hasna U. Bacol, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
