MSSD Staff Complete Onboarding and Orientation for Devolution Baseline Assessment Research Team

COTABATO CITY (July 25, 2025) — The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) held an onboarding and orientation session for the Devolution Baseline Assessment Research Team on July 23–24, 2025, in Cotabato City. This event was organized by the MSSD Planning and Development Division and was supported by UNICEF Philippines.

The activity was attended by selected MSSD staff from the regional office and provincial operation officers, who will serve as key partners in implementing the baseline research on the devolution of social services to local government units (LGUs).

This initiative is part of MSSD’s ongoing response to the mandate of the Bangsamoro Local Government Code (BLGC), which aims to transfer certain powers and services from the regional government to LGUs, aligning with the principles of subsidiarity and self-governance.

The orientation aimed to clarify the context of devolution as outlined in the BLGC, specifically regarding the devolved functions, services, and facilities of ministries such as MSSD.

Through in-depth discussions on the principles of devolution, participants gained a deeper understanding of the essential preparation and coordination required between regional and local governments to ensure the efficient, humane, and inclusive delivery of social services. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/ BangsamoroToday)