Our presence here today signifies our commitment to children’s protection, development and survival.
Studies show that in terms of development, BARMM is on the same level as Nigeria, Africa.
Nowhere is this shown than the level of human development indicators of ARMM now BARMM.
Today we are also confronted with indicators for children in BARMM that lags behind in education, nutrition, and survival compared to other regions in the country.
There is much that can be done with the new Bangsamoro Government a promise has been made that this time with greater fiscal and political autonomy there will be genuine development.
We must use this fiscal and political power for the good of our region. We have the responsibility to make sure that our Bangsamoro government as well as local government effectively and responsibly implement their mandates. We must call them to account on how they used government resources for the welfare of children. This is in exercise of our oversight powers as interim legislators.
We have seen that laws and policies are not enough, we need to make sure that they are implemented properly and there must be accountability to ensure that the laws will be followed and faithfully executed. And that there will be consequences when they do not.
At the heart of this problem is our work on the comprehensive and holistic legislation for children that is effective, responsive and working. I believe that for a law to be effective the stakeholders must understand the spirit and wisdom of the law. Only then can the law influence behaviors, attitudes, beliefs and value systems for the welfare of children.
When those in power view children as human beings imbued with rights that must be protected, nurtured and developed and provides the conditions for our children to succeed and reach their full potential, then we can say that indeed we are in the right track towards making a difference in the lives of our children.
May all of us here today contribute to positive changes for our children’s welfare in terms of protection, survival and development. May we provide necessary conditions where children’s fullest potential can be realized.
