BTA’s CAFAR deliberates propose agri-training institute

THE Bangsamoro Parliament’s Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Committee met on Wednesday, April 26, to continue deliberating the proposed measure that would establish the Bangsamoro Agriculture and Fisheries Training Institute.

Under BTA Bill No. 39, the Bangsamoro Agriculture and Fisheries Training Institute (BAFTI) will lead the formulation of the regional agriculture and fisheries extension agenda and budget.

It will prioritize research on modern agriculture and fisheries trends.

CAFAR Chair Matarul Estino said that representatives from important stakeholders will be invited to further discuss the proposed legislation in order to prevent duplication and save government funds.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture will be consulted to discuss the possibility of Al-Amanah Islamic Bank serving as a partner lending conduit for the Agricultural Credit Policy Council to make interest-free loans available to BARMM cooperatives and social enterprises.

Bongo Island.

Strategically placed in Maguindanao’s northwest, Parang is bordered by Matanog Municipality to the north, Barira and Buldon to the west, and Sultan Mastura to the south, all within Maguindanao del Norte Province.

The presence of the Polloc Freeport and Economic Zone creates a potential gateway to national and international direct commercial links that will provide a favorable environment for investment and trade, as well as employment opportunities that will stimulate economic growth and inclusive development.

The regional office of the Philippine National Police is also located in the municipality.

Parang is located 31 kilometers from Cotabato City and 36.7 kilometers from Awang Airport.

It is also a municipality in the province that produces agricultural products, including agro-industrial and high-value commercial crops.

“We firmly believe that our locality is appropriately and capably suited as an advantageous setting for the establishment of BGC, which will offer quality services that can be easily accessed by constituents across the Bangsamoro region,” said Mayor Ibay.

Meanwhile, Cotabato City Vice Mayor Johari Abu said that he hopes the Parliament will discuss the impact of this legislation on the economic growth and activities of the city.

He also stated that the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cotabato expresses its full support for the Bangsamoro government’s larger actions for the betterment of its constituents.

Cotabato City is home to the Bangsamoro Government Center, formerly known as the Regional Autonomous Government in 1979, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 1989, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2019.

The Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 42 was passed on September 22, 1995, with the intention of making Parang, Maguindanao, the permanent location of the regional capital until the development of necessary structures and infrastructure.

However, the move to Parang never materialized until the passage of Republic Act No. 9054 in 2001, which directed the ARMM Regional Government to construct a new permanent seat of government within its territory; Cotabato City remained the de facto location of the ARMM government.

Currently, the Bangsamoro Government Center houses the Bangsamoro Parliament along with the Office of the Chief Minister, 15 ministries, five commissions, and other agencies. According to Atty. Dumama-Alba, the committee report will be submitted to the plenary by May.

Health committee to conduct inquiry to vaccinations programs

SEVERAL proposed resolutions were approved by the Bangsamoro Parliament’s Health Committee, including measures to conduct inquiries on vaccination programs and the establishment of hospitals.

Based on the approved resolutions at the committee level, the COH will conduct an inquiry on the framework strategy, the implementation of all types of vaccinations, the status of emerging and re-emerging diseases in the region, and the MOH’s overall plan for the establishment of hospitals.

The Committee also adopted a resolution directing the MOH to inform and update the Bangsamoro Parliament on the status of community-intended health projects to include facilities, equipment, human resources, extensions or outreach, and training by submitting a report through the Secretary-General. Committee reports, according to COH Chair Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., will be presented in the plenary when the second regular session resumes.

Meanwhile, the committee agreed to look into the alleged delayed signing of contracts and release of salaries for human resources in health, including those under the Nurse Development Program, Rural Health Midwives Placement Program, and other nationally funded programs.

The COH also posed an inquiry about the MOH's hiring and promotion of employees.

Four special subcommittees were created to look into the several issues and concerns on health programs.