WHILE Congress is currently deliberating on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), representatives from strategic government and business organizations gathered in Manila on September 23, 2014 to discuss the various development opportunities in the Bangsamoro.
Once approved by Congress, the Bangsamoro will include the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.
Initiated by the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS), the forum intends to start the discussion of business prospects and development climate, in the areas covered under the Bangsamoro, simultaneous with the deliberations in Congress.
“Realizing that sustainable development is a catalyst to achieving lasting peace in the Philippines, most specifically in Mindanao, there is a need to raise awareness and knowledge about opportunities that will promote economic advancement in the Bangsamoro,” Abhoud Syed Lingga of IBS told PCIJ.
The forum was also organized in partnership with the Institute for Autonomy and Governance, the Asia Foundation, ARMM Regional Board of Investments, the Mindanao People’s Causus, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the United Youth for Peace, and the Women’s Peace Table.
This video short produced by PCIJ’s Cong B. Corrales, summarizes the key points raised by speakers and resource persons during the Tuesday forum held in Makati City, Philippines.