The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has affirmed its commitment to work with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
During the 1st BARMM Planner's Congress, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said NEDA will continue supporting the BARMM government in addressing challenges, resolving issues, and implementing measures beneficial to both the region and the nation.
These include areas related to fiscal policies, financing requirements, legislative measures, policing, energy and power generation, and the transfer and creation of new offices, among others.
“We, at NEDA, see this event as a crucial platform for assessing the region’s achievements and identifying strategic priorities that will not only strengthen the relationship between the BARMM government and LGUs, but also sustain the gains of the peace process towards socioeconomic recovery and inclusive development in the Bangsamoro,” Chua said.
In the past, NEDA engaged the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) in formulating the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, and its mid-term update.
Subsequently, NEDA also worked with BARMM in crafting the first Bangsamoro Development Plan 2020-2022, consistent with the PDP framework.
The plan was in line with the BARMM’s vision of pursuing a “united, enlightened, self-governing, peaceful, just, morally upright, and progressive” Bangsamoro.
Chua added that NEDA has also been supporting the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in establishing strong governance foundations through technical discussions on relevant development assistance projects.
Among the assistance given by NEDA are capacity-building programs for the BTA and for other BARMM offices and ministries, and various infrastructure programs.
Chua concluded his speech by calling on the attendees to come together for the continuous development of the region.
“The pandemic has forced all of us to rethink, re-evaluate, and re-strategize our plans. This has become more challenging for the Bangsamoro Government as the region moves forward from its history of armed conflicts. Together, let us help build a legacy of lasting peace and inclusive development,” he said.