Bangsamoro Local Government Academy - BLGA

Bangsamoro Local Government Academy - BLGA The training arm of the Bangsamoro Government for the Local Government Units and MILG Personnel

๐—ง๐—ฎ๐˜„๐—ถ-๐—ง๐—ฎ๐˜„๐—ถ ๐—Ÿ๐—š๐—จ๐˜€, ๐— ๐—œ๐—Ÿ๐—š, ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐— ๐—ฆ๐—ฆ๐—— ๐—”๐—น๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ป ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐——๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—ฆ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐˜€The Ministry of the Interior and Local Governm...
27/07/2026

๐—ง๐—ฎ๐˜„๐—ถ-๐—ง๐—ฎ๐˜„๐—ถ ๐—Ÿ๐—š๐—จ๐˜€, ๐— ๐—œ๐—Ÿ๐—š, ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐— ๐—ฆ๐—ฆ๐—— ๐—”๐—น๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ป ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐——๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—ฆ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐˜€

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.

23/07/2026

๐€๐ƒ๐•๐ˆ๐’๐Ž๐‘๐˜: ๐‘ป๐‘ถ ๐‘จ๐‘ณ๐‘ณ ๐‘ณ๐‘ถ๐‘ช๐‘จ๐‘ณ ๐‘ฎ๐‘ถ๐‘ฝ๐‘ฌ๐‘น๐‘ต๐‘ด๐‘ฌ๐‘ต๐‘ป ๐‘ผ๐‘ต๐‘ฐ๐‘ป๐‘บ ๐‘ฐ๐‘ต ๐‘ป๐‘ฏ๐‘ฌ ๐‘ฉ๐‘จ๐‘ต๐‘ฎ๐‘บ๐‘จ๐‘ด๐‘ถ๐‘น๐‘ถ ๐‘จ๐‘ผ๐‘ป๐‘ถ๐‘ต๐‘ถ๐‘ด๐‘ถ๐‘ผ๐‘บ ๐‘น๐‘ฌ๐‘ฎ๐‘ฐ๐‘ถ๐‘ต ๐‘ฐ๐‘ต ๐‘ด๐‘ผ๐‘บ๐‘ณ๐‘ฐ๐‘ด ๐‘ด๐‘ฐ๐‘ต๐‘ซ๐‘จ๐‘ต๐‘จ๐‘ถ (๐‘ฉ๐‘จ๐‘น๐‘ด๐‘ด)

In view of the continuous rainfall being experienced across the region since yesterday, as per directive of MILG Minister Jordan S. Bayam, all LGUs are hereby advised to closely monitor their respective Areas of Responsibility (AORs) for any potential flooding, landslides, or other weather-related incidents.

All Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs), Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs), and concerned responders are encouraged to remain on heightened alert, conduct continuous monitoring, and ensure the timely dissemination of advisories to vulnerable communities.

Stay vigilant. Stay safe.

[MILG โ€“ Information and Communication Division (ICD)]


๐—•๐—Ÿ๐—š๐—” ๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐˜€ ๐—•๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜€๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ผ ๐—ก๐—˜๐—ข ๐—™๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐˜„๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ธ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜„ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—Ÿ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ฝ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿด ๐—˜๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€The Bangsamoro Local Gov...
23/07/2026

๐—•๐—Ÿ๐—š๐—” ๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐˜€ ๐—•๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜€๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ผ ๐—ก๐—˜๐—ข ๐—™๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐˜„๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ธ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜„ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—Ÿ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ฝ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿด ๐—˜๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€

The Bangsamoro Local Government Academy (BLGA), with the support of the Galing Pook Foundation, successfully conducted the Bangsamoro NEO Framework Review and Validation Workshop on July 14โ€“15, 2026, at Acacia Hotel, Davao City. The two-day workshop brought together officials from the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Regional Office and Provincial Field Offices to assess the implementation of the existing BangsaNEO Framework, identify gaps, and ensure that it remains responsive to the evolving capacity development needs of Bangsamoro local government officials.

In his opening message, Bangsamoro Director General Engr. Khalid S. Dumagay underscored the significance of periodically reviewing the Bangsamoro NEO Framework to ensure that it remains relevant amid the changing governance landscape. He emphasized the need to identify areas of the framework that can be strengthened, standardized, or expanded to better address the emerging needs of Local Government Units (LGUs). He likewise encouraged all participants to actively contribute their insights and experiences in developing a more responsive, practical, and future-ready framework that will further strengthen the competencies of elected local officials across the Bangsamoro Region.

The workshop was designed not only as a framework review exercise but also as an on-duty learning opportunity for MILG personnel. Interactive workshop sessions were facilitated by the Operations Management Services (OMS), led by Director Fausiah R. Abdula and Chief of the Local Government Development Division Jennifer Ampatuan, BLGA's newly designated Director, Atty. Fahleah M. Aliuden, together with the Policy, Planning, and Research Division Chief Mohaima B. Dimangadap. Serving as process observers and technical mentors were Galing Pook Executive Director Jay Carizo, former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marivel G. Sacendoncillo, and Bangsamoro Director General Khalid S. Dumagay. Their guidance ensured that discussions remained focused while encouraging participants to take ownership of the framework's enhancement and future implementation.

Throughout the workshop, participants revisited the existing competency areas and identified additional competencies that should be integrated or strengthened within the Bangsamoro NEO Framework. The discussions were anchored on the key principles and governance themes embodied in the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code (BLGC), including local autonomy, citizen participation, moral governance, accountability, devolution, and the delineation of powers and responsibilities. Participants recognized these principles as fundamental in enabling LGUs to practice evidence-based planning and decision-making, deliver services according to local realities and priorities, and foster meaningful participation of citizens in local governance processes.

To further enrich the discussions, Galing Pook Executive Director Jay Carizo emphasized the importance of establishing a clear baseline of the competencies and capacities of local government officials. He noted that understanding existing strengths and development gaps is essential in designing targeted learning interventions and in developing measurable indicators that can effectively assess the outcomes and long-term impact of capacity development programs.

During the open forum, former DILG Undersecretary Marivel G. Sacendoncillo shared valuable insights drawn from her extensive experience in designing and implementing capacity development programs for local government officials. She highlighted the importance of translating the Capacity Development Pillars into practical governance interventions while recognizing that each LGU possesses distinct circumstances, priorities, and development challenges. She emphasized that capacity development initiatives must therefore remain adaptive and context-sensitive to achieve meaningful and sustainable results.

In the closing program, BLGA Director Atty. Fahleah M. Aliuden reaffirmed that the pursuit of moral governance, professionalism, and excellence in public service is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders involved in local governance. She emphasized that developing competent and values-driven leaders requires sustained collaboration, continuous learning, and institutional commitment.

The workshop concluded with a collective commitment from participants to continuously refine and strengthen the Bangsamoro NEO Framework. More than a policy document, the framework was recognized as a strategic investment in developing Bangsamoro leaders who are competent, ethical, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of their communities. Once finalized, the enhanced framework is expected to serve as a key guide in preparing newly elected local officials, particularly in the lead-up to the 2028 local elections, and in promoting a culture of accountable, inclusive, and effective local governance throughout the Bangsamoro Region.

โ€ผ๏ธโ€ผ๏ธโ€ผ๏ธ
10/07/2026

โ€ผ๏ธโ€ผ๏ธโ€ผ๏ธ

ADVISORY!

[MILG โ€“ Information and Communication Division (ICD)]


๐— ๐—œ๐—Ÿ๐—š, ๐—•๐—Ÿ๐—š๐—”, ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐— ๐—ฆ๐—ฆ๐—— ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—Ÿ๐—š๐—จ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ฆ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ช๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ณ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐——๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ด๐—ต ๐—Ÿ๐—–๐—˜ ๐—™๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐˜‚๐—บ๐˜€The Ministry of the Interi...
03/07/2026

๐— ๐—œ๐—Ÿ๐—š, ๐—•๐—Ÿ๐—š๐—”, ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐— ๐—ฆ๐—ฆ๐—— ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—Ÿ๐—š๐—จ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ฆ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ช๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ณ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐——๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ด๐—ต ๐—Ÿ๐—–๐—˜ ๐—™๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐˜‚๐—บ๐˜€

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), through the Bangsamoro Local Government Academy (BLGA), in partnership with the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), successfully conducted a series of Local Chief Executives (LCE) Forums on the Devolution of Social Welfare Services across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for the Mainland provinces.

The forums were conducted in three provincial legs: on June 11, 2026, at Ranaw Business Hotel in Marawi City for the Province of Lanao del Sur; on June 22, 2026, at Carlitos Hotel and Restaurant in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat for the Province of Maguindanao del Sur; and on June 29, 2026, at the Maguindanao del Norte Gymnasium, Provincial Capitol, for the Province of Maguindanao del Norte and the Special Geographic Area (SGA). The activity was attended by officials and personnel from the both Ministries alongside Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and their designated representatives from participating municipalities, as well as officials from the respective provicial government units.

The initiative forms part of the Bangsamoro Government's continuing efforts to prepare Local Government Units (LGUs) for the gradual transfer of social welfare functions from the regional government to local governments. It aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of LGUs and ensure their readiness to assume greater responsibility in delivering social welfare services, ultimately bringing essential government programs closer to Bangsamoro communities through a more responsive and localized governance system.

Throughout the forums, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on the opportunities and challenges associated with the devolution process. Local chief executives, provincial officials, and ministry representatives shared their experiences, concerns, and recommendations on institutional preparedness, organizational capacity, fiscal requirements, and the transition of social welfare functions. The activity also served as an avenue to reinforce intergovernmental collaboration and foster a shared commitment between the Bangsamoro Government and LGUs toward ensuring a smooth and effective devolution process.

A highlight of each forum was the panel discussion, where participants were given the opportunity to raise operational, financial, and institutional concerns regarding the implementation of devolved functions. Discussions centered on funding mechanisms, personnel requirements, accountability, technical assistance, and the continuity of social welfare programs. The open dialogue enabled local officials to gain a clearer understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities, as well as the support mechanisms that will continue to be provided by the Bangsamoro Government throughout the transition period.

In his keynote message, MSSD Deputy Minister Tan underscored that devolution should not be viewed as an additional workload for Local Government Units, but rather as a shared challenge and responsibility between the regional government and local governments. She emphasized that the success of the devolution process depends on the commitment of both parties to work hand in hand in delivering quality social welfare services and improving the lives of the Bangsamoro people.

Meanwhile, MSSD Director General Mohammad Muktadir Estrella emphasized that devolution should not be viewed as the Ministry's withdrawal from local communities but as a strategic effort to empower LGUs to effectively deliver social welfare services with the continued guidance and support of MSSD. He stressed that the ultimate goal of devolution is to make social welfare services more responsive, accessible, and people-centered by bringing them closer to Bangsamoro communities through empowered and capable local governments.

Assistant Provincial Director Sohra C. Basir of the MILG-Lanao del Sur Field Office likewise underscored the importance of strengthening the partnership between the Bangsamoro Government and LGUs to ensure the delivery of quality, sustainable, and people-centered services throughout the region. She noted that devolution not only brings government services closer to communities but also reinforces the accountability of local governments in serving their constituents.

The LCE Forums also reaffirmed the shared commitment of the BLGA to equip local governments with the knowledge, skills, and institutional support necessary to successfully implement devolved functions. By providing a venue for dialogue, policy clarification, and experience sharing, the forums strengthened the partnership between the Bangsamoro Government and LGUs in advancing responsive and accountable local governance.

Through the successful conduct of the Local Chief Executives Forums, both Ministries continue to advance collaborative governance, strengthen institutional preparedness, and support LGUs in effectively implementing devolved social welfare functions. The initiative reaffirms the Bangsamoro Government's commitment to building capable local governments and ensuring that social welfare services remain responsive, accessible, and centered on the needs of every Bangsamoro community.

๐—ง๐—ผ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐˜†, ๐˜„๐—ฒ ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—บ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฎ8๐˜๐—ต ๐—”๐—ป๐—ป๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—ฃ๐—ต๐—ถ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฝ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ.As we honor the courage and sacrifices of our her...
12/06/2026

๐—ง๐—ผ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐˜†, ๐˜„๐—ฒ ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—บ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฎ8๐˜๐—ต ๐—”๐—ป๐—ป๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—ฃ๐—ต๐—ถ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฝ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ.

As we honor the courage and sacrifices of our heroes, let us celebrate the freedoms we enjoy today and renew our commitment to building a nation that is just, prosperous, and united for generations to come.

May the spirit of independence continue to inspire us to serve with integrity, uphold our shared values, and contribute to a brighter future for all Filipinos.

โ€œKalayaan. Kasaysayan. Kinabukasan.โ€

Mauhay ang Pilipinas!
Mabuhay ang Bangsamoro!

๐— ๐—œ๐—Ÿ๐—š, ๐—•๐—Ÿ๐—š๐—”, ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—๐—œ๐—–๐—” ๐—˜๐˜…๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ก๐—ฒ๐˜…๐˜-๐—ฃ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜€๐—ฒ ๐—ฃ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ฝ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐——๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—•๐—”๐—ฅ๐— ๐— ๐˜พ๐™Š๐™๐˜ผ๐˜ฝ๐˜ผ๐™๐™Š ๐˜พ๐™„๐™๐™” โ€” The Ministry of the...
04/06/2026

๐— ๐—œ๐—Ÿ๐—š, ๐—•๐—Ÿ๐—š๐—”, ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—๐—œ๐—–๐—” ๐—˜๐˜…๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ก๐—ฒ๐˜…๐˜-๐—ฃ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜€๐—ฒ ๐—ฃ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ฝ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐——๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—•๐—”๐—ฅ๐— ๐— 

๐˜พ๐™Š๐™๐˜ผ๐˜ฝ๐˜ผ๐™๐™Š ๐˜พ๐™„๐™๐™” โ€” The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), led by Minister Jordan S. Bayam, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) delegation, led by Senior Advisor for Peace and Development in Mindanao Mr. Ochiai Naoyuki, successfully concluded a strategic survey mission aimed at identifying priority interventions and cooperation mechanisms for a potential successor project that will support the devolution agenda in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The multi-day mission served as a platform for consultations and technical discussions with key stakeholders to assess the current state of devolution in the region, identify institutional and capacity development needs, and determine the most appropriate forms of assistance that JICA may provide in the coming years.

During the wrap-up discussion, Minister Bayam emphasized the importance of grounding devolution initiatives in the realities faced by local government units (LGUs). He underscored the need for localized consultations and evidence-based interventions that recognize the varying capacities, geographic conditions, and development contexts of Bangsamoro LGUs.

JICA experts echoed this perspective, noting that devolution is a long-term and evolving process that requires adaptive approaches and sustained institutional support. Drawing from Japanโ€™s experience in decentralization, the delegation shared examples of governance arrangements that balance local autonomy with broader administrative support, allowing local governments to effectively deliver services while maintaining fiscal stability.

Insights gathered throughout the mission highlighted the need for a flexible and context-sensitive approach to devolution in BARMM. Rather than adopting a uniform model, discussions focused on developing tailored interventions that respond to the unique circumstances of individual LGUs and ministries involved in the devolution process.

As part of the proposed cooperation framework, JICA is considering the deployment of technical experts through its Individual Expert Dispatch Scheme to provide targeted assistance to BARMM ministries and institutions. This modality would enable the future project to adapt to emerging needs and evolving governance challenges while supporting the region's ongoing reforms.

The outcomes of the strategic survey mission are expected to inform the design of JICAโ€™s potential successor project in BARMM and contribute to the strengthening of the regionโ€™s devolution framework. During the closing discussions, Minister Bayam assured the JICA delegation of the Ministryโ€™s full support for future interventions and technical assistance initiatives, particularly those that will enhance local governance capacities and improve the delivery of devolved services.

He expressed optimism that the continued partnership between the Bangsamoro Government and JICA will further advance the devolution agenda and help build responsive, empowered, and development-oriented local governments across the region.

๐—ง๐—ช๐—š ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐——๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—•๐—”๐—ฅ๐— ๐— '๐˜€ ๐——๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—”๐—ด๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐—–๐—ผ๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ฏ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—–๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† - The Technical Working Group (TWG) on...
04/06/2026

๐—ง๐—ช๐—š ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐——๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—•๐—”๐—ฅ๐— ๐— '๐˜€ ๐——๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—”๐—ด๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ฎ

๐—–๐—ผ๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ฏ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—–๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† - The Technical Working Group (TWG) on Devolution reconvened on June 3, 2026, at Alnor Hotel and Convention Center to discuss capacity development initiatives and knowledge-sharing on devolution practices in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The activity was organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), through the Bangsamoro Local Government Academy (BLGA).

The meeting brought together representatives from key Bangsamoro institutions, including the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), Development Academy of the Bangsamoro (DAB), Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MFBM), Office of the Senior Minister (OSM), as well as various offices within MILG.

In his opening message, MILG Director General Khalid S. Dumagay expressed appreciation to the JICA delegation led by Senior Advisor for Peace and Development Mr. Ochiai Naoyuki and the Galing Pook Foundation delegation headed by former DILG Undersecretary Marivel C. Sacendoncillo. He emphasized that devolution is not merely a policy requirement but a transformative governance reform that empowers local government units (LGUs) to respond more effectively to the needs of their communities.

Representing Senior Minister and Devolution Committee Chair MP Zaid Z. Salendab, Assistant Senior Minister Abdullah M. Cusain reaffirmed the Bangsamoro Government's commitment to advancing devolution. He highlighted that devolution is a key component of Bangsamoro autonomy and is further reinforced by the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling and the Bangsamoro Local Government Code. He also stressed the importance of learning from both local and international experiences to improve governance and public service delivery across the region.

During the discussions, Professor Akio Kamiko, JICA Technical Expert and Advisor to Cambodia's Ministry of Interior, shared Japan's experience in decentralization. He emphasized that while decentralization allows local governments to better address community needs, its success depends largely on investing in capable and well-trained local officials who can effectively manage devolved functions and responsibilities.

Jay R. Carizo, Executive Director of the Galing Pook Foundation, presented the results of pilot assessments conducted among selected BARMM LGUs. He noted that BARMM is undergoing a unique "twin devolution" process; one driven by the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling and another by the region's autonomy reforms. The assessment found that while governance structures are generally in place, the readiness of LGUs to assume devolved functions varies across sectors.

Meanwhile, former DILG Undersecretary Marivel C. Sacendoncillo underscored that devolution should not be limited to the transfer of powers and resources. Instead, it should focus on improving accountability, strengthening service delivery, and sustaining peace and development. Drawing from the country's decades-long decentralization experience, she highlighted the need for context-specific approaches, stronger institutional capacities, evidence-based planning, and close collaboration among ministries and LGUs.

The meeting concluded with participants identifying key priorities to advance the devolution agenda in BARMM. These include the establishment of a comprehensive database and information management system to support evidence-based policymaking, the clarification of roles and responsibilities among government institutions, the strengthening of intergovernmental relations mechanisms, and continued efforts to ensure that devolution ultimately leads to improved services, greater accountability, and better outcomes for Bangsamoro communities.

COTABATO CITY โ€” In a major step toward shaping the administrative future of the Bangsamoro region, the Ministry of the I...
02/06/2026

COTABATO CITY โ€” In a major step toward shaping the administrative future of the Bangsamoro region, the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), the Bangsamoro Local Government Academy (BLGA), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) convened a high-level strategic meeting today at the OMS Conference Room within the Bangsamoro Government Center. This high-level engagement laid the critical groundwork for upcoming technical cooperation, focusing specifically on the possible JICA support for the Ministries in advancing and refining the regionโ€™s devolution framework. The primary objective of the meeting was to initiate strategic discussions to determine the exact frameworks of technical and developmental support that JICA will extend to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the MILG. During the dialogue, JICA affirmed its commitment to act as a supportive, third-party partner, exploring custom pathways to provide structural guidance and international expertise to ensure that devolution is implemented effectively and, in a manner, suited to the distinct historical and cultural context of the BARMM.

While the precise scope of long-term assistance is still being finalized, JICA's initial collaborative efforts will place a heavy emphasis on technical knowledge transfer and administrative modeling. To jumpstart this cooperation, JICA experts, including Professor Kamiko Akio are set to share deep technical insights rooted in Japanโ€™s late 20th-century decentralization reforms. This structural guidance is intended to assist the MILG as it evaluates options for a clear, harmonized delineation of functions between regional ministries and local government units (LGUs). The goal of this structural mapping is to eliminate redundancies and maximize public service delivery across the region. Through this continuous dialogue, the BARMM and JICA partnership aims to shape a rigorous, mutually agreed roadmap that will significantly reinforce regional autonomy and secure sustainable, efficient public service transitions across the Bangsamoro.

The strategic meeting brought together an esteemed delegation of international development experts and regional government leaders to oversee these foundational discussions. Representing JICA were Mr. Ochiai Naoyuki, Mr. Shinguchi Shintaro, Mr. Yuasa Keiichiro, Ms. Ehara Ikumi, Mr. Kamiko Akio, Ms. Iizuka Airi, and Ms. Patricia Adolfo. Participating from the Bangsamoro Government and the MILG was Engr. Khalid S. Dumagay, alongside Fausiah R. Abdulah of the Operations Management Services. The Bangsamoro Local Government Academy (BLGA) was represented by Muhammad Farzieh B. Abutazil, ensuring a comprehensive collaboration between all key stakeholders to ensure a timely intervention for the devolution of services in the BARMM region.

Ngayong National Flag Days, ating alalahanin ang tapang ng mga bayaning nagbuklod sa ating bansa.Ang watawat ay sagisag ...
01/06/2026

Ngayong National Flag Days, ating alalahanin ang tapang ng mga bayaning nagbuklod sa ating bansa.

Ang watawat ay sagisag ng ating dangal at ng panata nating magsilbi nang may katapatan. Sa lokal na antas, pinatutunayan natin ito sa pamamagitan ng malinis na pamamahala at totoong pagmamalasakit sa kapakanan ng bayan.

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