MARAWI CITY — As part of the formulation of the 2nd Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) for 2023-2028, the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), technical secretariat of the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC), successfully culminated the region-wide consultation for the said development plan held in this city on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.
The consultation with the local government unit (LGU) of Marawi City was the eleventh-leg which completed the said region-wide activity following the consultations with the LGUs of Cotabato City; Maguindanao Province; civil society organizations (CSOs), academes, and private sector in mainland BARMM; Special Geographic Area (SGA); island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa); Lamitan City; CSOs, academes, and private sector in BaSulTa; and Lanao del Sur Province.
The Marawi City LGU led by Mayor Majul Gandamra was represented by Omar Mohamad, the executive assistant to the City Administrator. In his message, he expressed the city governmentโs appreciation for including their city in the consultation process and assured that it will reach the attention of the city mayor.
Among the participants are officials and representatives from the barangays of Sagonsongan, Datu sa Dansalan, Banggolo Poblacion, East Basak, Panggao Saduc, Lumbaca Madaya Poblacion, Cadayonan (Kadayunan) II, Bobong Lumbac, Paridi, Timbangalan, Mipantao Gadongan, Moncado (Mongado) Colony, Tuca, Bubonga Punud, Rapasun MSU, Basak Malutlut, Moncado Kadingilan, Dagunduban, Totali, Kapantaran, Dansalan, Sabala Manao Proper, Raya Madaya I, West Marinaut, Somiorang, Lumbac Marinaut, Datu Naga, Bangco, Guimba, Tampilong, Fort and Dayawan, Malimono, and Raya Saduc.
Melanie M. Indar, Director for Planning and Policies Bureau, who represented BPDA Director General Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, presented the salient features of the draft 2nd BDP. In formulating the said plan, she said that the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC) ensures its vertical alignment to the Enhanced 12-Point Priority Agenda of the BARMM, Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Ambisyon Natin 2040, and Sustainable Development Goals.
Indar further shared that the region has high performance in achieving its macroeconomic targets according to the report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), underscoring that the BARMM attained five out of its six macroeconomic targets in the 1st BDP. Among the achieved macroeconomic targets include gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth rate, population growth rate, labor force participation rate, inflation rate, and poverty incidence (among families).
During the workshop, the participants shared their proposed functional roles for Marawi City to be the Center of Islamic Education, Islamic City of the Philippines, Regional Educational Center, Center of Economic Growth and Trading, BARMM Capital, Business Hub, and Tourist Hub.
Further, said participants discussed some of the potentials and opportunities for Marawi City. The said city has lakes and rivers that are potential sources of hydroelectric energy; vast agricultural lands; tourist spots; handicrafts such as inaul, landap, and blankets; Mindanao State University (MSU-Marawi); mass producer of hafidz; preserved cultural heritage; lake ambulance in Lanao, medical facilities; and existing inter-barangay program in addressing threat or terror.
Some of the identified proposed complementation of Marawi City LGU with the autonomous regional government are strengthening of internet connectivity; addressing issues and concerns on water and sanitation for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in MAA shelters, drainage, and barangay roads; installation of solar street lights; road widening; construction of hotels for accommodation; sustainable livelihood; coordination with MAFAR for donation of seedlings; sustainable support on agricultural machinery and technical assistance; renovation of educational facilities; additional construction of medical and health facilities; establishment of closed-circuit television (CCTV)provision of scholarships to deserving students; additional trucks for garbage collection; additional rescue vehicles; and capacity development for city and barangay officials. Meanwhile, the region-wide conduct of consultations for the 2nd BDP were supported by the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (Mary Lovella Lao-Lastimosa, BPDA-BARMM)
