Audhu billahi minashaytan nir rajim. Bismillahi rahmanir raheem.
Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu!
When we were still planning to conduct this benchmark activity, I was profoundly moved by a sense of purpose and enthusiasm, recognizing that the actions we will take will shape the future trajectory of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission. This, in turn, will significantly contribute to the empowerment of the youth in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM.
Our journey toward progress and inclusivity is marked by the several notable accomplishment of BYC in the past, and the planned establishment of the Regional Youth Advisory Council or RYAC. This council, which will be composed of representatives from diverse sectors within the BARMM, shall serve as the heartbeat of our organization. It will echo the voices of the youth from local government units, women’s sector, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, Bangsamoro communities outside BARMM, and religious leaders, among others.
The formation of the RYAC is not merely a procedural task; it is a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and representation. It ensures that every Bangsamoro youth, regardless of background, has a platform to contribute their unique perspectives, contexts, and experiences to the development of the Bangsamoro region.
In crafting the guidelines for the RYAC, we will not just creating rules; we are building a structure that will uphold fairness, transparency, and integrity. These guidelines will not only be the framework for the RYAC but a testament to our dedication to a selection process that is free from bias, where every deserving candidate has an equal chance to participate.
As we embark on this journey, let us draw inspiration from the National Anti-Poverty Commission, an institution that has successfully embraced a sectoral approach to poverty alleviation. Like the NAPC, our RYAC will be a convergence of sectors, representing various marginalized groups. It will be a powerhouse of collaboration, where representatives collaborate to develop and implement programs tailored to the specific needs of our youth.
Remember, the work we do today will ripple into the future, influencing policies and initiatives that directly impact the lives of the Bangsamoro youth. Let us embrace this benchmarking activity with open hearts and minds, ready to learn and adapt, ensuring that our endeavors align with the highest standards of excellence.
Together, let us pave the way for a brighter and more empowered future for the youth of BARMM.
Wa billahi tawfiq wal hidayah. Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh!
