Wali, or ceremonial head of the Bangsamoro, Sheikh Khalifa Usman Nando led the beating of the agong on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, to formally open the Fourth Regular Session of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament. He delivered his speech in Arabic as well.
Meanwhile, BTA Parliament Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong said “It has truly been an honor for all of us who have been part of this four years, carving the future of the Bangsamoro as we have been fighting our way before.”
“Our operation with President Duterte has worked wonders, it did not only allow us to show we can cooperate towards the achievement of what is good for Filipinos – it was the opportunity for us to show our brand of service to our people in the region. I am sure given another opportunity, the new national leadership will only see a partner in us.” He said.
“It will always be my pride to have known and to be working with Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim. Ultimately, I will always be honored to have been serving our people as we all praise and share the blessings of Allah (SWT).” He added.
“Last year, we inaugurated Bangsamoro’s Development Plan. Let us keep our eye on the ball as they say and be reminded of the objectives, we have set for ourselves and for our people,” Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong said.
Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong called for continued cooperation between the regional government and local governing bodies, the national government, and the international community.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim delivered his Report to the Bangsamoro to provide updates in the region and the future plans and priorities of the Bangsamoro Government.
“We shall prioritize the passage of the remaining priority codes and other important legislation reflected in the legislative agenda,” Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim mentioned amid his speech on the ceremonial opening of the Fourth Regular Session.
According to Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, the Government of the Day has strengthened its 12-point priority agenda for 2023–2025, which includes strengthening the bureaucracy in the BARMM, Digital Infrastructure and E-Governance; Revenue Generation and Economic Comparative Advantage; Agri-Fishery Productivity and Food Security; Investment in Transportation, Communication, and Other Strategic Infrastructure; Social Protection and Universal Healthcare; Disaster Resilience and Climate-Change Adaptation; Quality and Holistic Education; Support to Marawi Rehabilitation; Peace, Justice, and Security; and Bangsamoro Culture, Heritage, and Diversity.
“This 12-point priority agenda shall shape the budget, legislation, programs, and policies of our region as we move to the next chapter of the transition period,” He added.
Majority Floor Leader Atty. Lanang Ali Jr. noted that in addition to priority codes, the Parliament would also adopt measures for securing welfare and development, promoting labor and employment, and maintaining peace and security.
Other guests included officials from local government, non-government organizations, and heads of ministries, agencies, and other offices.
