OCM’s Office for Other Bangsamoro Communities spearheads Successful Coordination Efforts and Convergence Program
COTABATO CITY (June 10, 2024) – The Office for Other Bangsamoro Communities (OOBC) under the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has achieved significant milestones in fostering collaboration and delivering vital assistance to marginalized groups across Mindanao.
Based on the published report, discussed on May 31, 2024 at Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro — an online platform talk show program of the Bangsamoro Multimedia Network (BMN), on April 3-6, 2024, the OOBC chaired by Executive Director Prof. Noron S. Andan has coordinated with LGUs and other stakeholders in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) under the Special Development Fund (SDF).
It conducted a site validation of Proposed Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region focused on enhancing agricultural practices and livelihood opportunities. The validation encompassed several areas, including Bagong Silang, Brgy. Madanding, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat; Purok Tagumpay 2, Sadsalan, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat; Brgy. Mina, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; Brgy. Akol, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; Sitio Kidog, Poblacion Tantangan, South Cotabato; and Brgy. Poblacion, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.
The OOBC said that the initiative extended its reach to Region 9 from April 12-19, 2024, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement across diverse locales in Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, North Cotabato, and Davao del Norte.
On May 10, 2024, the OOBC convened a strategic coordination meeting with the Interim Moro Affairs Office of Davao City. Chaired by six (6) Deputy Mayors representing diverse tribes, including Maguindanaon, Maranao, Tausug, Sama, Iranun, and Kagan, the meeting addressed pressing issues, particularly the convergence program for fire victims in Muslim Village, Davao City.
The culmination of these efforts materialized on May 21, 2024, with the successful execution of the Convergence Program in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) – Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), Ministry of Health (MOH), and Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).
As an observer, last May 23-26, 2024, a successful and productive four-day write shop on the operational guidelines of the OOBC together with the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH), the Bangsamoro Pilgrimage Authority (BPA) and the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) held at Crystal Hall of Em Manor Hotel, Cotabato City.
OOBC shall be the primary unit in the OCM that recommends policies and systematic programs for promoting the welfare of Bangsamoro communities outside the BARMM, including provisions of services, in coordination with local government units as well as appropriate national government agencies. (Sahara A. Saban, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
