COTABATO CITY (Dec. 15, 2023) — Several Bangsamoro youth leaders participated in a three-day policy review of Bangsamoro Youth Parliament (BYP) bills and resolutions on Dec. 13-15, in Cotabato City.
Young members of the parliament from the two editions of BYP in 2021 and 2022 were convened as part of the Technical Working Group that will focus on refining the passed and adopted bills and resolutions and checking its alignment with Bangsamoro Government’s development plans and initiatives and responsiveness with the needs of the youth in the region.
The activity served as an avenue to conduct a thorough legal and regulatory analysis to make sure the proposed bills and resolutions conform with the existing laws and regulations both at the regional and national levels, mitigating the potential legal conflicts.
YMPs provided feedback, insights, and recommendations, assuring inclusivity to enhance the quality of the proposals thereby increasing possibilities to successful implementation.
BYC Chair Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong on his remarks, underscored the significance of engaging youth in the policy-making landscape as it is essential for fostering a dynamic and inclusive society, reflecting on the diverse perspectives and concerns of the younger generation.
“Our program, BYP has engaged youths from various areas of the region, and we have faith that you have the potential to be among the Members of the Parliament as you have already proven it. We have successfully filed one of your bills in the parliament—the Bangsamoro Climate Change Commission Act of 2023 to be specific,” said Macasalong.
“Be part of the young people who, not merely spends time on leisure, but also embarks on efforts that can benefit not only himself but his country at large. It may sound hefty, but if our youth would not continue what our leaders have started, then we might still perceive our efforts as failure.” He added.
The said initiative expects to ensure that bills and resolutions from the BYP are well-prepared and poised for effective consideration by higher policy-making bodies, ultimately tailored-fit to the emerging issues and concerns of the Bangsamoro youth. (BYC PR Unit/AAA)
