Photo courtesy of Transforming Fragilities, Inc.
COTABATO CITY (Nov. 14, 2024)—The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) has initiated an extensive data collection initiative across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as part of its Bangsamoro Youth Assessment Study (BYAS). This study aims to facilitate evidence-based youth development planning in the region.
The study seeks to establish the first comprehensive baseline data to inform the formulation of the Comprehensive Bangsamoro Youth Development Plan (CBYDP).
“The absence of disaggregated data has impeded our ability to prioritize youth issues effectively and design tailored programs,” said BYC Chairperson Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong. “However, through BYAS, we anticipate more impactful initiatives in the future.”
The data collection phase involved focus group discussions, interviews, and surveys with youth from diverse sectors throughout the region.
BYAS is structured to provide a holistic view of youth conditions across the region, including those from diaspora communities. The study will explore various facets of youth development, such as education, employment, social participation, and challenges unique to different youth sectors.
The study is anticipated to deliver several critical outcomes, including detailed demographics of Bangsamoro youth, thorough documentation of regional youth issues, and evidence-based policy recommendations. These results will directly support the Bangsamoro Youth Transition Priority Agenda and guide the Commission’s future programs.
This assessment aligns with BYC’s mandate to ensure that youth development initiatives in BARMM are data-driven and responsive to the actual needs of the youth in the region. The findings will be crucial in shaping policies that address the specific challenges faced by Bangsamoro youth.
Following the data collection phase, BYC plans to conduct provincial consultations across the region. (BYC PR Unit/KAA)
Photo courtesy of Transforming Fragilities, Inc.
