Basilan CSO Leaders Back Bangsamoro Civil Society Engagement Act of 2025
COTABATO CITY (July 30, 2025) — Civil society leaders from across Basilan voiced strong support for the proposed Bangsamoro Civil Society Engagement Act of 2025 during a three-day consultation held from July 28–30 at Sitti Khadizia Beach Resort, Lamitan City, Basilan.
Organized by MP Abdulbasit R. Benito, the event brought together grassroots leaders, NGOs, women’s and youth groups, and faith-based organizations to share feedback on the bill. Participants praised the proposed law as a vital step in formally recognizing CSOs as partners in governance, peace, and development in the Bangsamoro region.
“We’ve waited for so long to be officially recognized not just as watchdogs, but as true partners in peace and development,” one participant shared emotionally.
The gathering ended with a unified call for the bill’s swift passage, signaling growing momentum for deeper civil society participation in BARMM policymaking. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
