27/07/2026
๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ถ-๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ถ ๐๐๐จ๐, ๐ ๐๐๐, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐น๐ถ๐ด๐ป ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฆ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐
The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), through the Bangsamoro Local Government Academy (BLGA), and in partnership with the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), successfully conducted the Forum on the Devolution of Social Services in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on the 21st of July 2026 at Bihing Tahik Resort, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
The forum gathered officials from the MILG and MSSD Regional and Provincial Offices, alongside Local Chief Executives and other local government officials from the Province of Tawi-Tawi. The activity served as a platform to strengthen collaboration between the Bangsamoro Government and local government units (LGUs) as the region advances the implementation of devolution.
As one of the pioneering ministries to initiate the devolution of its services, MSSD presented the results of its assessment of local capacities and service delivery systems. Guided by these findings, the Ministry is laying the groundwork for the phased transfer of appropriate social service functions to LGUs. In line with the MILG's mandate to supervise and strengthen local governments, the forum aimed to provide clarity on the forthcoming changes in the delivery of social services and to ensure that local officials are well-prepared for the transition.
During the forum, Bangsamoro Director General Atty. Mohammad Muktadir Ahmad Estrella discussed the Ministry's strategic direction and highlighted the convergence areas where their Ministry and LGUs can work together. He explained that, depending on the readiness and institutional capacity of each LGU, local governments may be granted either partial or full autonomy in implementing devolved programs and projects. He further emphasized that the devolution process is designed to improve, not disrupt, the delivery of essential public services. The Ministry will continue to provide capacity development, technical assistance, policy guidance, monitoring, and other forms of institutional support to ensure that LGUs are fully equipped to perform their expanded responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Atty. Muhaymin D Miraato underscored the significance of the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code (BLGC), explaining that it supersedes the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. He emphasized that the BLGC is not merely a replacement of the national law but a governance framework specifically crafted to reflect the unique history, culture, governance traditions, and aspirations of the Bangsamoro. He further noted that the enactment of the BLGC is a mandate under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which requires the Bangsamoro Parliament to establish its own local government code responsive to the region's distinct context.
The activity concluded with an open forum in which Local Chief Executives and LGU representatives from Tawi-Tawi raised questions, concerns, and recommendations regarding the devolution process and its implications for local governance. The discussion provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, allowing regional ministries to address issues directly and reaffirm their commitment to a collaborative and well-managed transition.
In his closing message, MILG Provincial Director Gulamhasan A. Sappayani highlighted the indispensable role of Local Chief Executives in translating the agreements and commitments made during the forum into concrete actions within their respective local governments. He called for sustained cooperation among LGUs, regional ministries, and development partners to ensure that the devolution process results in more responsive, efficient, and people-centered governance for every Bangsamoro community.