COTABATO CITY (June 19, 2024)—A youth training and development center worth ₱12.29 million is set to be constructed in Sulu province following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) by the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), and Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) on Tuesday, June 18, in Cotabato City.
Under the MOA, the agencies will collaborate closely to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the youth center.
The MOA was signed by BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama, MHSD Minister Atty. Hamid Aminodin Barra, MHSD Director Salem Demuna, BYC Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding, and Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) Director Melanie Indar.
Funded under BYC’s Special Development Fund (SDF), the initiative aims to provide a comprehensive facility serving as a hub for the youth in Sulu. It will offer various programs and activities designed to promote skills development, leadership training, and socio-economic empowerment.
BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama highlighted the project’s significance, noting that since the youth need training to develop their skills in both formal and informal settings, the center will provide formal training opportunities for them.
MHSD Minister Atty. Hamid Aminodin Barra emphasized the timeliness of the signing ceremony, which coincided with the celebration of Eid Al-Adha, commemorating the sacrifice of a youth as reflected in the story of Prophet Ishmael. “We hope that through this training center, we will be able to guide the youth,” he stated.
BYC Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding expressed optimism about the positive impact of the development center, saying that the establishment of the facility hopes to address the various challenges faced by the youth in the province, particularly on the positive transformation of youth who were exposed to violent conflicts.
Once operational, the youth development center will serve as a focal point for various initiatives aimed at enhancing the personal and professional growth of young individuals. It will also facilitate collaboration with other youth organizations and stakeholders, cultivating a network of support and resources for the youth community.
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the SDF was established to support the rehabilitation, rebuilding, and development of conflict-affected areas in the BARMM geographical areas. (BYC PR Unit/KAA)
