𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗢 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚

DAVAO CITY – To foster a dynamic relationship among key regional and local planners in BARMM, the Bangsamoro Planners Coordinating Committee (BPCC), a special committee under the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC), held its inaugural meeting through a hybrid conference at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Davao City, on June 26, 2024.

Formed in December 2023, the BPCC is a regional body primarily tasked with strengthening regional-local planning linkages, serving as a crucial platform for collaboration, coordination, and strategic planning among key regional and local planners in BARMM.

Representing BPDA Director General Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, MNSA, the Bureau Director for Planning and Policies, Dir. Melanie M. Indar, presided over the meeting. In her address during the committee’s inaugural meeting, she underscored that the BPCC acts as a catalyst for innovation and excellence.

“By fostering an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and where best practices are shared, we inspire each other to strive for greater heights. Our collective ambition and creativity are the driving forces behind the transformative projects and initiatives that will propel BARMM towards a brighter future,” said Dir. Indar.

Dir. Indar also urged the committee members to reaffirm their commitment to contributing meaningfully to the region’s overall goal. She stated, “As we commence this first regular meeting for CY 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to cooperation, strategic planning, and relentless pursuit of excellence. The work we do here today and in the meetings to come will shape the destiny of BARMM. Together, we have the power to build a region that is empowered, cohesive and progressive.”

To uphold the principles of public service and faithfully discharge their duties, Sheikh Abdulkahar Musa of the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta’ (BDA) administered the oath-taking of the officials and members of the committee.

Following the oath-taking, Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, MNSA expressed his support for the committee, emphasizing its significance as a platform in addressing the complexities of the region’s development and challenges. Dir. Ali also highlighted the pivotal role of local government units as backbone of development in the region.

During the meeting, two representatives of the League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines, Inc. (LLPDCPI) BARMM Chapter were confirmed, as endorsed by the first elected president of the chapter and committee member, Engr. Nulfarid S. Ampatuan, EnP: Engr. Ben Akalal, EnP, regional chapter vice president and assistant provincial planning and development coordinator of the province of Sulu; and May N. Quesada, regional chapter secretary and municipal planning and development coordinator.

Moreover, the committee members thoroughly deliberated and adopted the Internal Rules of Procedures of the BPCC, which shall govern the rules of order and conduct of meetings. Other agenda items discussed included the harmonization of regional and local plans through the integration of the Local Development Investment Program into the Bangsamoro Development Investment Program (BDIP), preparation for the upcoming 4th BARMM Planners Congress, and the proposed agenda forecast for the committee’s second regular meeting.

BPCC members present during the meeting were the provincial, city, and municipal planning and development coordinators of the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte; the cities of Lamitan, Cotabato, and Marawi; the two confirmed LLPDCPI BARMM Chapter representatives; and Atty. Janice-zah Macapantar, the representative of Human Settlements and Development Minister Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra as co-chairperson. (𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙇𝙖𝙤 𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙖 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙖 𝙇𝙖𝙤 / 𝘽𝙋𝘿𝘼-𝘽𝘼𝙍𝙈𝙈)