ZAMBOANGA CITY (July 28, 2023) — The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held a two-day consultation on July 26-27, in Zamboanga City, for the finalization of the Bangsamoro Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (BAP-YPS).
This leg of consultation was attended by representatives from accredited youth organizations, local government units, and security sectors in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
During the consultation, participants discussed and shared their feedback, recommendations, and comments on the current draft of the plan.
BYC Commissioner Hamdie Tanjil said that the provincial consultations involving youth leaders from the entire region bring contextualized contributions to the national and regional action plan on youth, peace, and security.
He added that the series of regionwide consultations will ensure a well-rounded and inclusive plan that incorporates diverse perspectives.
The formulation of the plan is being led by a technical working group (TWG) that includes youth leaders as members from several sectors across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The BYC and UNDP serve as the TWG Secretariat.
The BAP-YPS is a comprehensive roadmap of the Bangsamoro government in charting the direction for increased Bangsamoro youth participation in conflict resolution, prevention, management, and peacebuilding efforts.
It aims to guide both policymakers and service providers in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs that contribute to addressing YPS issues.
Consultation for Maguindanao and Cotabato stakeholders was conducted last June 15. Another leg of consultations for Lanao and Bangsamoro outside BARMM stakeholders will be held in early August.
The BAP-YPS is set to be launched to the public on September 21 during the celebration of International Day of Peace. (BYC PR Unit/KAA)
