Milestones on the Life of BARMM

Stories

November 8, 2023

CODE-NGO

The Bangsamoro Parliament enacted 31 bills into laws, says Bangsamoro Minister Atty. Raisa Jajurie, who gave an update on the Bangsamoro commenced the second day of the e-Learning Talk last October 17, 2023. 

Her presentation included a summary of updates entitled “Milestones on the Life of BARMM.” The 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament focused on laws in areas of priority codes, Bangsamoro symbols, creation of offices, upgrading of hospitals among others. Other milestones include the transfer of the seat of governance from Cotabato City to Parang in Maguindanao, setting up of the bureaucracy, which includes intergovernmental relations bodies and a task force security. 

All efforts on the upcoming 2025 elections are geared towards Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim’s call on moral governance. 

Climate Change and Conflict in the Bangsamoro

Climate change weakens economic capacity of transitioning [armed] combatants increasing their recruitment vulnerability to terrorist groups is one of the key issues presented in a study by Cyrell J. Alingasa of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus. It is no secret that the BARMM remains plagued by various armed groups. 

The study entitled, “Unraveling the Nexus: A Participatory Action Research on the Dynamics of Climate Change, Conflict, and Human Mobility in the Bangsamoro Region, Philippines,” the study is anchored through the lens of participatory action research where human stories are at the center of the discourse. It delves into the existing dynamics of climate, conflict and displacement in BARMM, a region exposed to “various hazards with high vulnerabilities and coping capacities.”

Data was gathered from the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Special Geographic Areas of BARMM. 

One of the key findings reveal that natural hazards affect environmental landscapes of which internally displaced persons from either conflict or natural disasters are involved. Moreover, human displacement exacerbates existing conflict, “Displacement shapes and intensifies existing conflict dynamics and adversely affects the surrounding communities.”

Therefore, the study proposes the following recommendations:

  • Enact a legislation that can establish a regional mechanism that will focus on the climate-conflict nexus in BARMM, support the BARMM ministries in integrating climate change and conflict-sensitive programming in their office and for local government units.
  • Strengthen enforcement of existing laws regarding the use and control of natural resources. 
  • The BARMM government should contribute in pushing for the enactment of the Internally Displaces Persons Bill. 
  • Mainstream gender-sensitive planning in all aspects of climate change and conflict adaptation and mitigation mechanisms.
  • Conduct massive education and training for farmers and users of natural resources. 
  • Embed climate change prevention and mitigation in peacebuilding and post-conflict rebuilding programs and projects. 

Moving forward, the study’s data proposes these action plans:

  • Create a Task Force under the Office of the Chief Minister (i.e., a sub-committee on climate change in the Bangsamoro Parliament).
  • Advance the BARMM Environmental Code.
  • Adopt nature-based, research-backed economic solutions.
  • Update the Seal of Good Governance criteria and strong implementation and enforcement of laws.
  • Embed climate change adaptation in peacebuilding and conflict prevention programs.
  • Integration of environmental protection in the school curriculum.
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