COTABATO CITY–The Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC) on its 3rd regular meeting held Dec. 23, approved the proposed five-year 2nd Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) 2023-2028 and the establishment of the Bangsamoro International Development Assistance Committee (BIDAC).
BARMM Chief Minister and BEDC Chairperson Ahod Ebrahim said the council spearheaded the formulation of the 2nd BDP through its five sectoral committees along with the assistance of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) being the council’s technical secretariat.
“I would like to congratulate the BEDC sectoral committees and the BPDA for leading the formulation of 2nd BDP that will serve as our guide in the development of our region,” Ebrahim said.
“The BARMM government is taking the step in developing a mechanism that would consolidate the efforts and initiatives of development partners that supports the government in facilitating the efficient and effective delivery of services to Bangsamoro communities,” the Chief Minister added.
During the meeting, BEDC Vice-Chairperson and BPDA Director- General Engr. Mohajirin Ali presented salient features of the drafted 2nd BDP 2023-2028 to the officials and members of the BEDC, while emphasizing the remarkable changes in the region’s overall context.
“BARMM has the fastest economy and BARMM was able to achieve five out of six macroeconomic targets set in the 1st BDP 2020-2022,” Ali shared.
Following BEDC’s approval of the 2nd BDP, it will then be referred to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament for its deliberation since it will be the basis for the preparation of next year’s budget proposal of the ministries, offices, and agencies.
Meanwhile, the creation of the BIDAC was also ratified by the council which will serve as coordination mechanism involving the Bangsamoro Government and International Development Partners towards harmonizing the implementation of foreign-assisted programs and projects in the region.
The meeting also highlighted the oath-taking of Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao and Bangsamoro Attorney General Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba as new members of the BEDC. Both sworn to fulfill their duties as members of the council and committed themselves to democratic means in pursuit of the ideals and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
Moreover, BEDC further approved the resolution allowing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Cotabato Branch to attend council meetings with observer status.
This office is directed to strengthen the surveillance of the economic financial affairs of the BARMM through its representation in the council. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO with reports from BPDA)
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