Davao city: In preparation for the upcoming regular parliament in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), current members of the region's interim parliament began drafting a 10-year strategic framework to guide the institution beyond the transition period and support the first elected members of the BARMM lawmaking body.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Speaker Mohammad Yacob stated that the ongoing three-day Parliament Strategic Planning Framework Workshop is being conducted with the Development Academy of the Philippines. The workshop aims to bring lawmakers together to establish long-term priorities for the parliament's legislative, oversight, and representation functions.
The workshop, taking place in Davao City, started on June 1 and is scheduled to conclude on June 3. The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which established the BARMM, mandates that the BTA serves as the provisional government during the transition period, exercising the powers and functions of the parliament until the election of regular members.
As BARMM prepares for its first parliamentary elections in September 2026, the strategic plan is expected to enhance governance by providing the incoming parliament with clear direction, established frameworks, and policy foundations. "The institution must continue to evolve to reflect the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people while strengthening participatory governance, accountability, and public service," Yacob commented.
In a message delivered by his son and chief of staff, Jamel Macacua, BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua expressed support for the parliament's strategic direction. He emphasized the regional government's commitment to translating shared priorities into concrete policies and programs that deliver tangible results for communities across the region.
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has also contributed by turning over a parliamentary roadmap. This roadmap outlines measures to support institutional stability and continuity as the Bangsamoro parliament transitions to its next phase of development.
