FULL TEXT: 4th State of the Bangsamoro Youth Address
Audhubillahi Min asshaytanir rajim. Bismillahi rahmanir Raheem.
Assalamu ’alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu
Peace and solidarity to everyone.
On this momentous occasion, as we celebrate the International Youth Day 2023, I extend my warmest greetings and gratitude to each of you present here today. The significance of this day cannot be overstated, as it echoes a global acknowledgment of the indispensable role of youth in shaping our future.
Celebrating International Youth Day today demonstrates our resounding affirmation and recognition of the intrinsic worth and potential inherent in our Kabataang Bangsamoro. This is not only an opportunity to highlight young people’s voices, initiatives and contributions to society but also a time to reflect on the challenges they faced.
Today holds great significance in promoting peacebuilding, empowerment, cultural preservation, sustainable development, and civic engagement among our Bangsamoro youth, as they play an integral role in sustaining the gains of peacebuilding efforts towards progress and development within our region and for our beloved Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
Together, let us rekindle in our minds how our Kabataang Bangsamoro has become an embodiment of a force to be reckoned with.
The establishment of the Bangsamoro Government was a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for several transformative initiatives. Among these, the passage of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 10 emerged as a crucial milestone. This legislative act led to the creation of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission, or BYC.
BYC, as the Bangsamoro Government’s policy-making and coordinating body for all matters affecting the youth within the BARMM Region, is committed to advancing the welfare and development of the Bangsamoro youth by addressing their needs and concerns through targeted policies and initiatives. The Commission aims to create a supportive foundation from which the youth can flourish.
Central to the BYC’s undertakings is the value of youth empowerment. Recognizing the potential, creativity, and energy that the Bangsamoro youth bring to the table, the Commission is working towards providing them with opportunities, resources, and platforms to channel their aspirations through coactive efforts between and among its Commissioners from major political subdivisions of BARMM.
Each with a profound commitment to serve the youth and ensure their holistic development, allow me to introduce our esteemed Commissioners:
Commissioner Hamdie Tanjil, representing Basilan including Lamitan City
Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding, representing Maguindanao, including Cotabato City and Special Geographic Areas of North Cotabato
Yours truly, serving in a concurrent capacity as Commissioner representing Lanao del Sur including Marawi City
Commissioner Muhammad Faizal Alih, representing Sulu
Commissioner Pratima Sabal-Samsaraji, representing Tawi-Tawi
Today, I am delighted to introduce an addition to the set of our ever dynamic Commissioners. Let us welcome the ex-officio Commissioner representing the Settler Communities, Jona Mae Biñas, from the Office for Settler Communities. We look forward to Commissioner Biñas championing the interests of our Bangsamoro young settlers through the introduction of policies that will specifically advance their rights and welfare.
Convening the Commissioners representing settlers community, indigenous people, and the major political subdivisions of the BARMM would lead to a more inclusive and well-informed decision-making process that would benefit the Bangsamoro youth and the region as a whole.
As we look ahead, we recognize the hurdles that lie in our path. The limitations of resources and the struggle to engage our own youth pose challenges, but it is within these challenges that our motivation finds its strength. It is precisely through these trials that we are driven to strive harder, aim higher, and create a future that echoes our aspirations.
As we revisit the remarkable strides made during the transition period, let us delve into the initiative undertaken by the Bangsamoro Youth Commission during its first phase.
The BYC developed its own priority agenda during the transition phase for 2019 until 2022 which received recognition and encouragement from the Government of the Day, through our Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, putting forward that “while it is true that the Government of the Day is focused on building a new bureaucracy that is reflective of our shared aspirations as a people through meaningful legislations and initiatives, we also acknowledge the importance of bringing in the energy and idealism of the youth in this process.”
The BYTPA was inspired by a fundamental question: “How can we harness the incredible potential of our youth to uplift our region?”
We believed it was important to identify contextualized centers for youth participation to promote a youth development responsive to the peculiar social context, considerations, and conditions confronting the BARMM youth.
Thus, resulting in the crafting of priority agenda through a consultative process designed to bring together diverse perspectives of youth across the BARMM region.
The BYTPA focuses on five centers for youth participation, each with its own distinct objectives and goals: health, education, peacebuilding and security, governance, and active citizenship.
Transitioning into its second phase, the BYC’s course has been characterized by strategic institutional-building and capacity-building efforts. The very essence of these endeavors is our unwavering commitment to strengthening the institutional foundation of this Commission.
First of these efforts is the formulation of the BYC Strategic Plan 2022-2028.
This strategic plan fortifies the path towards institutionalization. Emphasizing four key strategies that will serve as the foundation for the Commission’s work over the next six years, for the upliftment of the lives of the Bangsamoro Youth, in the following order- each strategy is focused on:
First, Strengthening of Institutional Foundations and Personnel Capacities. This foundation is the bedrock upon which we will build the edifice of our youth initiatives. By enhancing our internal structures and capabilities, we ensure a robust framework that can effectively support the needs and aspirations of the young minds we aim to nurture.
Second, the Demonstration of Initial Exercise of Youth Policy-making and Coordinating Function. This aims to demonstrate the Commission’s ability to set and adopt youth development policies and provide coordination, monitoring, and support to these policies. Through this, we foster a sense of ownership and responsibility that can only lead to more informed and inclusive policies.
Third, the Strengthening of Strategic Linkages. Collaboration and partnership are the cornerstones of progress. By forging strong bonds with other organizations, governmental bodies, and stakeholders, we create a web of support that amplifies our efforts and magnifies our impact. Together, we can create a network where the potential of our youth knows no bounds.
Last but not least, the fourth strategy revolves around Establishing Institutional Legitimacy and Reputation. Trust is earned through actions, and our actions speak volumes. By upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and excellence, we solidify our position as a reputable institution dedicated to the betterment of youth lives. Through our steadfast commitment to these principles, we pave the way for lasting change and enduring impact.
As we reflect upon these four strategies, we stand poised at the threshold of transformation. With firm determination, we stride forward, carrying with us the aspirations of the youth and the conviction that their empowerment is the key to a brighter future for all.
Another undertaking of great significance for BYC to carry out its mandate set forth under the BAA 10 is the drafting of its implementing rules and regulations or IRR.
We recognized the paramount importance of clarifying how we should carry out our roles and functions effectively. Pursuant thereto, we invited youth leaders to contribute as resource writers for BAA 10’s IRR.
May we ask our IRR writers to please stand to be recognized. Thank you very much.
Their valuable insights have enriched this document. This collaborative effort signifies our devotion to inclusivity and active engagement.
With careful regard to legality, we transmitted the IRR draft to the Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office under the Office of the Chief Minister, for review.
We are also working on our Manual of Operations, which will define procedures, processes, and relations within and between divisions and units, facilitating policy development, prioritization, and coordination with stakeholders.
The IRR and the Manual of Operations are complementary documents that will work together to facilitate efficient and effective functioning of our Commission and its workforce in carrying out its mandate. We started in late 2021, and we envision finishing it this year as we are in its final stages.
In 2020, we successfully accredited 307 youth organizations hailing from the region’s five provinces. By 2022, these figures have undergone substantial growth, resulting in a total of 536 accredited youth organizations.
The accreditation process, under the BYC Accreditation Program, or BYCAP, serves as a measure for establishing the legitimacy of the existence of these youth organizations. This, in turn, unlocks a myriad of opportunities for their active involvement and participation in development-oriented initiatives offered by BYC, as well as other ministries and agencies operating under the Bangsamoro Government. Additionally, accreditation paves the way for collaboration with various development partners, amplifying their impact and reach.
However, the journey to this achievement was not without its challenges. The process of accreditation was momentarily suspended as the Commission recognized the need for a digital platform to facilitate the accreditation program. This interlude allowed the Commission to focus on the development of a website, which would serve as a centralized hub for all matters related to youth registration and accreditation. This initiative will supersede the BYCAP and be launched as the Bangsamoro Youth Registration and Accreditation Program, or BYREAP.
The introduction of the BYREAP website will bring a lot of advantages. The platform will streamline the accreditation process, enhancing communication, and ensuring transparency, while also optimizing resource allocation and data management. Its user-friendly interface is projected to help youth organizations and facilitate their independent navigation through the process, ultimately fostering an inclusive and efficient avenue for engagement.
By leveraging this type of technology, this initiative will not only promote transparency but also promise to elevate the efficiency and impact of the accreditation process on youth development programs.
The writing of the BAA 10’s IRR, development of the Manual of Operations, and of the BYREAP website have all received funding from the Support to Bangsamoro Transition Programme, or the SUBATRA Programme. We deeply appreciate these supports for the Bangsamoro youth.
Additionally, this year – we embarked on a significant endeavor – a benchmarking activity with the National Youth Commission.
By coordinating with NYC, we sought not only to learn from their experience but also to integrate their proven best practices, strategies, and processes into our own operations. This insightful exchange allowed us to refine and enhance our approach to serving our youth constituents within the Bangsamoro region. Through this strategic benchmarking, we committed to achieving even greater effectiveness in our efforts, ensuring a more impactful and fulfilling experience for our youth.
This activity was also made possible with the help of the SUBATRA Programme.
We have also taken a significant step toward improving our policy development process by designing a Policy Development Manual, or PDM. It will serve as the principal guiding document of the Commission in carrying out our mandate as a policy-making office. It seeks to strengthen the policy development mechanisms of the Commission, clarify stepwise processes, and establish flexible feedback loops.
This comprehensive manual was made possible by the valuable support of the International Organization for Migration, or IOM, under the Supporting Conflict Transformation Toward Effective Peacebuilding in the Bangsamoro Region, or STEP-BARMM Project.
Notably, this collaborative effort extended to include youth leaders as resource writers as well, further ensuring the relevance and effectiveness of the manual in promoting meaningful youth engagement and sustainable policy development.
May we ask again for the youth leaders who served as our resource writers for this manual to please stand up. Mabuhay po kayo.
Substantiating peacebuilding and security, and active citizenship as an underscored centers for youth participation, we have introduced the Bangsamoro Action Plan for Youth, Peace, and Security, or the BAP-YPS. This visionary roadmap, covering 2023 to 2028, serves as a compass, guiding both policymakers and service providers in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs that contribute to addressing peace and security issues.
The BAP-YPS encapsulates a comprehensive strategy that acknowledges the critical role of youth in shaping the path toward sustainable peace and outlines recommendations for points of action to realize this vision. It focuses on conflict resolution, prevention, management, and peacebuilding – an action plan that resonates with our firm belief in harnessing the energy, ideas, and passion of young individuals for the greater good.
Next week, our team will go to Davao City for another leg of consultations with youth organizations outside BARMM and representatives from local government units. Hopefully, next month, this will be launched during the celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month.
This effort was made possible by the never-ending help and support of the United Nations Development Programme, or UNDP to the BYC.
By setting direction for our points of action and significantly boosting our ability to achieve organizational goals, the Commission has exemplified the importance of adopting its Strategic Performance Management System, or SPMS Policy. Serving as a structured framework that aligns our activities with our objectives and identifies and defines clear expectations, performance metrics, and accountability mechanisms, the SPMS Policy will ensure that our efforts are directed toward the realization of our office’s mandate.
Consistent with our resolve to steer our actions toward meaningful and feasible results, we have introduced our Monitoring and Evaluation System for 2023. This system contains an M&E framework, logframe, and plan. These documents embody our dedication to deliver quality, timely, and effective service and programs for the Bangsamoro youth. Through a systematic framework of assessment, feedback, and improvement, this system allows us to continuously refine our strategies and approaches. By ensuring that our efforts are both effective and efficient, the Monitoring and Evaluation System will aid us in making informed decisions and allocating resources where they are most impactful, resulting in tangible benefits for the youth we serve.
Further, the BYC Strategic Communication Plan 2023-2026 as one of our efforts towards institutional building, is our recognition of the vital role communication plays in youth engagement and collaboration. At the core of this plan is our aspiration to increase youth access to accurate information about BARMM programs and foster stronger connections with stakeholders. By enhancing our communication activities, we open pathways for knowledge dissemination, community involvement, and meaningful partnerships. Through strategic and well-executed communication, we aim to empower the youth with knowledge and forge stronger bonds with those who share our vision for positive change.
Furthermore, we have also embarked on a transformative academic learning exchange at the University of Malaysia’s International Institute of Public Policy and Management in June this year. It allowed us to learn from public policy experts in Malaysia and acquire competencies that would help us effectively fulfill our mandate as a youth policy-making institution in the Bangsamoro region.
Parallel to the realization of these mandates, we have been performing activities aimed at formulating youth policies and coming up with relevant baseline data. These data will help us formulate research-based and data-driven policies that are timely, relevant, sound, and responsive to the needs of our youth.
As a Commission, I, as the Chairperson, together with our Commissioners, have adopted 41 resolutions during several En Banc sessions in late 2022 and this year. Among the notable adopted resolutions center on developing BYC as an institution.
We adopted a resolution directing the Human Resources Management Unit to lead the drafting of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission’s Citizen’s Charter. This will outline the commitments and services provided by BYC, enhancing transparency and accountability in its operations. We have also directed them to lead in the development of a plan that will encompass strategies to address skill gaps and enhance workforce effectiveness, aligning with organizational goals. The plan aims to improve performance, boost employee engagement, ensure succession readiness, retain talent, foster adaptability, cultivate effective leadership, and promote organizational agility.
The BYC Gender and Development Focal Points System is directed to formulate an institutional Gender and Development Agenda. This agenda aims to integrate gender perspectives into BYC’s activities and policies, promoting gender equity and empowerment.
The Administration and Finance Division of BYC is mandated to fulfill the requirements of the Philippine Transparency Seal. This directive ensures that BYC maintains a high standard of transparency in its financial and operational matters, promoting transparency and accountability.
The Project Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit of BYC is instructed to establish a comprehensive mechanism for overseeing youth-centered programs, projects, and activities across BARMM’s ministries, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities and to ensure their compliance with policies and plans that center on youth development.
We also directed the formation of a Technical Working Group tasked with developing BYC’s Freedom of Information Manual. The manual will outline procedures for requesting and accessing information, promoting openness and accessibility within the organization.
Another resolution has also been adopted, extending the effectivity of the BYTPA 2019-2022. Under this resolution, the BYTPA’s direction will persist until the culmination of the regional government’s transition phase in 2025.
We will also empower our youth by investing in their capabilities, as we have adopted a resolution instructing the BYC to propose the establishment of multiple Bangsamoro centers for youth development in the region, funded through the Special Development Fund (SDF).
Meanwhile, two resolutions have been put forth urging the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education to formulate measures against bullying and to incorporate waste management into the school curriculum.
With the shared efforts of our partner ministries and to advance the welfare of the youth, our members of the Bangsamoro Youth Coordinating Council enabled us to adopt resolutions encompassing various areas of concern. These include the encouragement to appoint local youth development officers in local government units, the promotion of sports development programs, the promotion of tree planting and environmental awareness programs, and support for the passage of mental health bills in the Parliament.
Collectively, these resolutions mark a resolute step forward in addressing the diverse needs and aspirations of the youth within the BARMM.
Our youth, as partners in advocating for change in the region, have also exemplified commendable ideas during one of BYC’s biggest activities, the Bangsamoro Youth Parliament, which was held in December 2021 and November 2022. The BYP is a Parliament simulation activity that gathers 80 selected youth across the region to discuss their proposed bills and resolutions, aiming to address the concerns of their communities and BARMM in general. This platform provided an avenue for our Bangsamoro youth to experience crafting and passing of bills and resolutions for the benefit of the Bangsamoro youth.
Eleven legislations were adopted during the first BYP, while 15 were adopted during its reimplementation in 2022. All these proposed initiatives were the result of our young parliamentarians’ action-packed days and nights, immersing themselves in the legislative process.
An especially notable bill among these is the one introduced by Jomar Macarapen, focusing on the creation and establishment of the Bangsamoro Climate Change Commission.
May we ask Jomar Macarapen to stand together with his colleagues from the Committee on Environment during the BYP 2022.
Ladies and gentlemen, the persons behind the bill.
This initiative resonates deeply with the clarion call for environmentally-centered engagement and action in this year’s International Youth Day theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” as it underscores our commitment to preserve and spread awareness about the harmful effects of environmental degradation. And as Muslims, we must always be reminded that we were made the trustees of the earth to see how we would take care of it.
It underscores the remarkable capacity of young individuals to advance environmental sustainability. By harnessing the capacity and innovative spirit of the younger generation, we are nurturing a pathway towards a more resilient and ecologically balanced future. As you may have observed, we have consciously refrained from producing and utilizing tarpaulins for this program, in solidarity with this year’s IYD theme.
We are delighted and honored to share that I, as a Member of Parliament, filed this bill to the Bangsamoro Parliament earlier this week.
In unity with fellow MPs, we pledge our unwavering support to advocate for this bill, we are dedicated to the establishment of a specialized office aimed at formulating policies that would mitigate the impacts of climate change in our region. It is worth emphasizing that our nation ranks third among the most heavily affected countries by the consequences of climate change. The Bangsamoro Climate Change Commission is a significant step towards environmental preservation and an embodiment of our commitment to securing a better future for the youth.
The BYP 2022, where this notable bill was first championed, received funding from the United Nation Children’s Fund or UNICEF.
Furthermore, BYC and UNICEF are looking at working together on another important campaign known as “Youth-Led Action on Ending Childhood Statelessness.” This initiative will emphasize the crucial need for families to register their children. The absence of birth registration can lead to several disadvantages for children, hindering their access to essential services and opportunities.
Collectively, these efforts illustrate how the BYC and UNICEF are actively championing meaningful change for the youth, not only in terms of policy-making but also in promoting essential rights and initiatives that will shape a secured and more equitable future for the Bangsamoro youth.
As a policy-making body for the youth, we will be drafting the Bangsamoro Youth Welfare and Development Code of BARMM. The Code will serve as a legislative framework designed to address the specific needs, rights, and aspirations of young Bangsamoro within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. It aims to promote the well-being, empowerment, and holistic development of the Bangsamoro youth population.
Initial writing is already underway to start laying down the blueprint for the holistic growth and well-being of our youth, cementing our dedication to their prosperous future. Next week, we will start a region-wide focus group discussion with several stakeholders to gather insights on the crafting of this pivotal measure.
In our pursuit of gathering pertinent and timely insights into the lives of our youth, we are also set to commence research on the Bangsamoro Youth Assessment Study, or BYAS. This endeavor aims to create an all-encompassing youth situational analysis, a vital resource that will profoundly inform the formulation of our youth-oriented policies and initiatives.
This initiative heralds the integration of an evidence-based, context-sensitive approach into our programming. By meticulously documenting the experiences of youth across the region, we seek to offer an extensive and dynamic analysis, assessment, and evaluation of their communities’ contexts. Further, the insights gleaned from this comprehensive effort will play a pivotal role in shaping the Commission’s forthcoming strategies, policies, and projects, effectively addressing the identified challenges and empowering the Bangsamoro youth. Furthermore, the study will establish a foundational dataset, serving as a primary reference for our programming, advocacy, coordination, and reformulation of policies.
For the past three years, the Bangsamoro Youth Commission’s Ideation Impact Challenge, or IIC, has been dedicated to fostering economic empowerment among young individuals in the region. This initiative has supported aspiring entrepreneurs who face obstacles such as limited resources, constrained access to financing, and a lack of capacity-building opportunities.
However, the IIC 2023 is set to take a bold step by shifting its focus. This year’s IIC will center around four policy-research proposals focusing on young Bangsamoro women, with the intention of designing data-driven programs and interventions that will redound to their benefit. This strategic move aligns with the Gender and Development fund spending and recognizes the importance of empowering women to drive growth, employment, and positive change within the Bangsamoro community.
The objectives for this specific call emphasize gender-sensitive research, evidence-based solutions for gender inequalities, interdisciplinary collaboration, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and fostering collaboration and networking among researchers. By focusing on gender issues and engaging with a variety of fields, these research proposals aim to empower women and girls, address gender disparities, and promote gender equity, ultimately contributing to social justice and inclusive development in the Bangsamoro region.
Each of the winning research teams will receive a P200,000 seed grant to be used to conduct their study, together with the guidance of Technical Experts from the University of Southern Mindanao – Kabacan.
Turning our attention to the Special Development Funds initiative, we have reached significant milestones, as well. With the completion of the first component, we are gearing up for the next phase that focuses on capacity building and the provision of seed grants for socio-economic ventures. Collaborations with organizations like the Cooperative and Social Enterprise Authority, or CSEA, and Technical Education an Development, or TESD, are already in full swing, enhancing our capacity building efforts. We are also proud to report that infrastructure projects, like the construction of buildings in Cotabato City and Sulu, are in active progress. Moreover, our Rebuilding SPMS or Rebuilding Shariff Aguak, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona will start this September for the youth in conflict affected areas in Maguindanao.
Guided by its mandate as the primary policy-making and coordinating body for youth-related affairs within the Bangsamoro Government, the effective operation of the Commission Proper, Bangsamoro Youth Coordinating Council, conduct of Bangsamoro Youth Parliament, formulation of the Bangsamoro Youth Welfare and Development Code, implementation of the Bangsamoro Youth Assessment Study, policy-driven research through the Ideation Impact Challenge, and the comprehensive programs within the Social Development Fund collectively underscore the resolute commitment of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission in championing the rights and well-being of the Bangsamoro youth, nurturing their potential as proactive contributors to societal progress.
Of course, not to lose sight of our Al-Khabar Weekly news program, we are now already on its 24th episode since its launch in February 2023, while the Bangsamoro Youth Hours is already on its 57th episode, these talkshows amplified the voices and initiatives of our youth. These platforms serve as conduits of information, keeping our youth informed and engaged. With numerous episodes and news segments already aired, these programs are making strides in fostering meaningful discussions and empowering solutions.
At this point in time, allow me to highlight the significant accomplishments of our Commissioners in their respective provinces.
In the province of Tawi-Tawi, led by Commissioner Pratima Sabal-Samsaraji, we are proud to say that our Youth Parliament in the region, which has already showcased its remarkable effectiveness in empowering the youth, has now found its way into the hearts of the Tawi-Tawi youth.
This interaction is not just a mere exchange of ideas; it’s a fusion of insights that culminated in the approval of Tawi-Tawi Youth Parliament bills, ready to be presented to the Pamahalaang Panlalawigan for their consideration. With the active participation of about 80 individuals representing the Sangguniang Kabataan, Local Youth Development Offices, and an array of dynamic youth organizations, we witness firsthand the spirit of collaboration that defines this initiative.
Our commitment to youth development also resonates in the areas of Maguindanao, Cotabato City, and SGA under the stewardship of Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding.
First, we are pleased to announce the establishment of the Provincial Youth Development Council of Maguindanao del Norte. This council is a manifestation of the Local Government Unit of Maguindanao del Norte to foster holistic youth growth.
Second, the conduct of a Round Table Discussion centered around the proposed Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Youth Development Plan for 2023 to 2025. This forum aims to weave together a tapestry of perspectives, crafting a plan that truly reflects the aspirations of our youth. This discussion is about nurturing a vision for a vibrant future.
The Youth Formation Program of BYC-Basilan including Lamitan City, organized under the guidance of the Office of Commissioner Hamdie Tanjil, brought together 80 young individuals from different parts of Basilan. The program aimed to foster holistic development, promote youth-oriented policies, uphold cultural values, and encourage social responsibility. It is a resounding indication to the commitment of Basilan’s youth to positively contribute to their communities and shape a better tomorrow.
The Young Ulamah Peace Conference signifies more than just the Commission’s efforts to strengthen faith and cultivate empathy among the youth in Bangsamoro. It is also the Commission’s commitment to empowering them wholly.
This is also evident in Sulu. Under the guidance of Commissioner Mohammad Faizal Alih, a heartfelt handover of relief assistance from the Lingkod Kabataan Bangsamoro or LKB program took place. This assistance was graciously extended to the dedicated Arabic students in the province.
These students, often facing financial constraints from their families, received not only tangible aid but also a reaffirmation of their value within the community. This event not only showcases the commitment of BYC but also emphasizes the interconnectedness of education, empathy, and communal support.
Adding to the development of our youth is the values transformation training (VTT). Its primary goal is to instill and reinforce strong, positive characteristics within young individuals, empowering them to become socially adept and resilient. This gathering was participated by diverse youth entities – recognized, accredited, and those awaiting accreditation, along with unorganized youth groups.
This effort aligns seamlessly with the Commission’s undertakings – to promote youth-focused initiatives, including capacity building and training programs.
We would also like to commend the efforts of our Bangsamoro youth in the province of Lanao, including Marawi City. During this academic year, the Commission has accepted and mentored a total of 99 job-ready student-interns. These interns hail from various institutions such as Lanao Central College Incorporated LCCI, Philippine Integrated College Academy Foundation, Marawi State University–Main’s Machine Shop Engineering Department, Balindong Pacalna National High School, and Senator Ninoy Aquino College Foundation.
This initiative to engage student-interns is proof of our dedication to shaping the future of Bangsamoro’s youth by furnishing them with invaluable learning prospects. By embracing student interns, we bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing them with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-world contexts. These students, placed under the auspices of the BYC Office, have gained practical expertise through hands-on involvement in managing diverse events and executing community-based activities.
As we move forward toward the upcoming elections in the Bangsamoro region, it is important to continue engaging and empowering women and youth in the electoral process. To address this concern, the BYC – Lanao del Sur including Marawi City also participated in the BARMM Participate Talks: A Forum on the Bangsamoro Electoral Code and its Women’s Agenda, which aims to provide participants with an overview of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to the incredible youth who have dedicated their efforts. It is their unwavering commitment that has made everything achievable. Our network of youth organizations functions as an indispensable channel for BYC to extend its influence to a broader array of young leaders and collaborate in the endeavor to construct a more advanced and all-encompassing Bangsamoro.
We persist in motivating additional youth organizations to join forces with us and engage in our pursuit of enhancing youth empowerment and fostering growth within the region.
With that point covered, grant me this opportunity to applaud as well the efforts of various ministries that have been our partners in fostering youth-centered initiatives in the region.
We express our gratitude to the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, or MILG, for upholding their commitment to the signed memorandum of understanding aiming at capacitating the Sangguniang Kabataan members all over the region, while the BYC offers a pool of speakers and trainers for these training sessions.
Throughout the year, we’ve been able to train a total of 320 SK officials, along with local youth development officers, on the creation of the Local Youth Development Plan. This plan serves as the foundational framework for youth development within a municipality.
The admirable dedication of the Bangsamoro Women Commission has led to the empowerment of approximately 1,000 Bangsamoro young women. Through their capacity-building programs and impactful gender mainstreaming initiatives, they have uplifted these women and created a lasting positive impact. Let us applaud their commendable efforts in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Through the Ministry of Social Services and Development’s Angat Bangsamoro Kabataan tungo sa Karunungan, or ABAKA program, that provides essential educational support to elementary, high school, and college levels student, and the Kupkop Program extending its financial assistance to orphaned children with a total of 10,247, consisting mostly of youth, benefited from the said initiative.
The Bangsamoro Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Program, particularly the Youth Entrepreneurship Program of the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT), has extended its benefits to 1,291 young Bamgsamoro. The resounding success of these initiatives affirms our commitment to nurturing and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth.
Thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform, or MAFAR, for their MAYA Program – the Mentoring and Attracting Youth in Agribusiness. This visionary initiative was conceived to tackle a pressing issue: the expanding gap in the development of the Philippine Agribusiness sector. With the goal of enhancing the harmony between labor supply and demand, ensuring that skillsets align with industry benchmarks and global competitiveness, this program has touched the lives of 40 young individuals, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the agribusiness sector.
Our Ministry of Health has trained more than 20,000 young healthcare workers, developing and equipping them with skills responsive to their mental and physical health. And a total of 300 youth will also benefit from their medical outreach next week in celebration of International Youth Day.
And last but not least, the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Culture and Heritage. In a rapidly changing world, where traditions can often be overshadowed by modernity, this commission takes on the vital responsibility of safeguarding our cultural heritage.
While its significance spreads across all age groups, I’d like to emphasize the profound importance of culture and heritage among our youth. Our young generation stands as the bridge between the past and the future, and it’s through them that our traditions and values continue to flourish.
With the aforementioned remarkable efforts, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to our esteemed partner ministries, offices, and agencies in the BARMM government, whose commitment propels our shared accomplishments, echoing progress and hope across the region.
As we move forward, let us also bear in mind that the concept of empowering our youth has also reverberated with our development partners, as they are also undertaking equally significant efforts.
Our collaboration with Ayala Foundation, Incorporated, through the Bangsamoro Young Leaders Program, or BYLP, has been truly impactful. Our joint initiative with the Ayala Foundation Inc., the Australian Embassy, and Eisenhower Fellowship has benefited our youth through its Bangsamoro Youth Leaders Program -Leadership Communities Program. This mechanism provided an immersive fellowship to around 30 young individuals in the Bangsamoro region, enabling them to engage with effective innovations through a structured learning process, making their ideas come into reality by providing them with a startup grant of P50,000 to aid their transformative projects.
Project 3K or Kabataan Kalusugan Kasanyangan has effectively established a mini medical boutique. The boutique’s purpose is to provide affordable and easily accessible medical supplies to the community.
Further, Project 3K extended its efforts beyond the boutique’s scope. The initiative conducted health awareness campaigns, distributed school supplies to children, and actively engaged in activities such as clean-up drives and the renovation of a health center within the town.
Meanwhile, Tinapayan4Peace, a project led by a fellow from Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, provided capacity training to internally displaced families in his town in Tinapayan product processing.
Through his project, the families were provided livelihood kits and trained on the basics of financial management to help them establish their tinapayan business.
These are just a few among the numerous initiatives undertaken by our Bangsamoro youth fellows.
To foster a more substantial and engaged involvement of young individuals in community progress and the advancement of our region, the Commission in partnership with the UNDP through its Bangsamoro Youth Volunteers Program aims to encourage active citizenship among youth by immersing them in different trainings and lectures that provide them with knowledge and skills. This enables them to contribute to their community’s development and empowers them as leaders and agents of positive change.
This program will engage youth from diverse backgrounds: youth representing civil society and community-based organizations, out-of-school youth, unemployed youth, youth who are former combatants or who are children of former combatants, and youth members of faith-based groups, among others.
Another opportunity that we are brewing along with the UNDP and BWC, through the support of the UK Government, is the NextGen Young Women Leaders Workshop. This workshop focuses on capturing the unique experiences of our young women during the time of transition, assessing their needs for conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and laying the foundation for targeted interventions.
Their insights are invaluable for shaping effective mentoring programs that address their specific requirements. This effort emphasizes gender equality, inclusivity, and the essential role of our young women in achieving lasting peace and development.
Adding to our initiatives in promoting active citizenship and peacebuilding among youth, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society-Support to Bangsamoro Transition Justice and Society project in collaboration with the Commission, Hay’at Ulama El Muslimina Bil Filibbin, Inc., Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta, Al-Jalis As-Salih, Inc., and Union of Muslim Youth Organization, Inc. organized the Muslim Religious Peace Conference.
The heart of the conference was a series of enlightening sessions, guided by venerable senior ulama and distinguished BARMM officials. Among the themes explored was the vital role ulama play within the Parliament, echoing their influence on policy-making and community development. Another session delved into the crucial involvement of our youth as partners in the noble endeavor of achieving Moral Governance, recognizing their potential to drive positive change. Furthermore, a session illuminated the potential repercussions stemming from division among the ulama, highlighting the importance of unity in our collective pursuit of progress.
Throughout the conference, attendees enriched our understanding through their perspectives and recommendations. These insights were particularly valuable as they addressed a spectrum of governance and societal issues, drawing from their individual experiences and deep-rooted connection to the local context.
Another collaboration that merits mention is our Training of Trainers for Empowerment through Self-Defense. Collaboratively, brought by ESD Australia, the Bangsamoro Youth Commission, Office of MP Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, and esteemed partners, this initiative is a beacon of empowerment and resilience for our youth.
This training is essential in imparting crucial self-defense techniques and equipping our youth with the tools to protect themselves and others. Beyond physical empowerment, it instills mental strength, emotional resilience, and self-awareness.
And as we steadfastly pursue the path towards lasting harmony, we are delighted to share that our journey towards peace has recently been enriched by our participation in the Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute’s 2023 Annual Peace Building Training through the sponsorship of GIZ in the Philippines.
This transformative event allowed the employees of BYC to draw inspiration and insights from the narratives of seasoned peace advocates and practitioners.
The GIZ in the Philippines Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute Foundation Incorporated deserves our heartfelt gratitude for spearheading this remarkable initiative. Their efforts have provided us with a valuable platform to broaden our comprehension of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
In essence, the BYC serves as a bridge between the aspirations of the Bangsamoro youth and the broader goals of societal development. Through targeted policies, programs, and collaborations, the commission strives to create an environment where youth are not only heard and valued but also provided with the means to effect positive change. By championing their rights, enhancing the quality of their well-being, and harnessing their potential, the BYC has come a long way as a partner of the Bangsamoro Government in its commitment to creating a brighter future where the youth are key agents of progress and prosperity.
Ladies and Gentlemen, today, we gather to celebrate not just the accomplishments of our youth, but the collaborative spirit that has made these achievements possible. As we stand at the threshold of progress, it’s important to acknowledge the integral role played by ministries, offices, and development partners in nurturing the growth and success of our Bangsamoro youth. Maraming Salamat po.
Finally, for top-notchers in board exams, the international and local athletes, and the trailblazers across domains who brought honor not only to their families but to the Bangsamoro region, let us put our hands together and give them a resounding applause of congratulations.
Their triumphs inspire us to provide continued guidance and encouragement. We owe them not just applause, but unwavering support in their journey towards even greater heights.
Present today is Mr. Al-Zaheer Adil Abubakar who became the Top 10 in March 2023 Licensure Examination for Teachers. Please stand as we recognize you.
With the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, we call upon each member of our community to embrace their role as active participants. Beyond mere civic duty, this is an opportunity to wield the power of your voice and influence—a power that directly shapes the trajectory of our youth and the region. Your vote is not merely a mark on a ballot; it is a catalyst for change, a driver of progress, and a compass guiding the course of our collective future. Let us wholeheartedly embrace this democratic process with enthusiasm and a clear sense of purpose, uniting in our endeavor to ensure a future that is nothing short of vibrant and promising for all.
As we come to the culmination of these noteworthy triumphs, let us continue the momentum of our achievements and collaborations. The path ahead is challenging, but it’s also laden with promise. Together, let us shape the destiny of our youth, of the Bangsamoro region, and ultimately, of our nation. Through our combined endeavors, we are sowing the seeds of progress, empowerment, and a better tomorrow.
Together, we enable, engage, and empower the Bangsamoro youth, driving positive change and progress for generations to come. Let us stand united in the pursuit of a better tomorrow, where the youth are at the heart of our journey.
Kabataang Bangsamoro, ikaw ang pagbabago!
Thank you, and may we continue to work together in solidarity and hope for a thriving and harmonious Bangsamoro.
Wa billahi Tawfeeq Wal Hidayah… Assalamu ’alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu! #
The 4th State of the Bangsamoro Youth Address was delivered by BYC Chairperson Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong, PhD on August 12, 2023, in Cotabato City. It was the culmination of the BARMM Government’s celebration of International Youth Day 2023.
