COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) is set to launch an online platform for a more advanced process of accrediting private sector organizations (PSOs), including civil society organizations (CSOs) and academic institutions, to the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC).
As part of the preparation for its launch in September 2024, select BPDA employees underwent an orientation on the use of this online platform on July 17, 2024. The orientation was co-facilitated by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) and BPDA’s Economic Intelligence Division, the technical secretariat of the BEDC.
This initiative, funded by the European Union in the Philippines and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), is part of the Enhancing CSOs Capacities towards Inclusive Development Intervention in BARMM in Support of the Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA-ECSO) project. The project aims to strengthen CSO competence in evidence-based project development and implementation in conflict-affected areas.
With the guidance of BDA Project Coordinator Marbawi Edza, a pilot test was conducted with 20 PSO participants, composed of representatives from various CSOs and academic institutions.
Initiated in 2023 by BPDA and BDA, the online platform aims to assist BPDA in the process of accrediting PSOs to the council. It streamlines registration and accreditation, increases the visibility of PSO projects and activities, and promotes inclusivity and ownership of BEDC milestones. The platform will also serve as a communication channel between BARMM and PSOs.
Meanwhile, the BEDC will adopt a resolution approving the operation of this online platform.