BARMM prioritizes child welfare with comprehensive 5-year roadmap

DAVAO CITY — The Bangsamoro Government has set forth an ambitious plan to enhance the welfare of Bangsamoro children over the next five years, marked by the launch of the Regional Plan of Action for Children (RPAC) on November 4, 2024.

Led by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), the RPAC aims to create an environment that promotes, protects, and fulfills the rights of all children, especially those who are marginalized and disadvantaged.

“We reaffirm the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to prioritize children’s rights and welfare across all policies and programs,” said Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie, emphasizing the historical challenges faced by the Bangsamoro region and the persistent issues of child protection and violence. Jajurie also chairs the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC), a collaborative body comprising various ministries, offices, and agencies (MOAs) within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Minister Jajurie expressed her hope that the RPAC would have a lasting, positive impact on children’s lives, aligning with the interim government’s dedication to advancing child welfare. “The plan should not just be a document stored in our libraries but should actively guide the direction of our institutions and the Bangsamoro Government as a whole,” she noted.

Key focus areas of the RPAC include children’s rights to survival, protection, development, participation, and living in a safe and climate-resilient environment.

Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim echoed the commitment to breaking cycles that threaten the future of Bangsamoro children, highlighting their vital role in the region’s journey toward self-determination. “They represent not just the leaders of tomorrow but the very hope of our nation today,” Ebrahim said.

The RPAC launch, organized by the MSSD in partnership with BARMM MOAs, UNICEF, and other stakeholders, took place during the kickoff ceremony of Bangsamoro Children’s Month (BCM). This observance aligns with the nationwide celebration of National Children’s Month, established under Republic Act No. 10661, which designates November as a month dedicated to children’s welfare.

The event also featured the annual “Panatang Makabata” pledge, where attendees reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding children’s rights. This year’s BCM theme, “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Bangsamoro!” underscores the region’s focus on fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for children.

Promoting the sustainable and inclusive development of Bangsamoro children and other vulnerable sectors is among the 12 priority agenda points outlined by Chief Minister Ebrahim, underscoring BARMM’s commitment to building a brighter, safer future for the region’s youth.-with a report from BIO