MANILA -- The Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), composed of leaders from both the National and Bangsamoro governments conducted its 12th meeting and press conference on December 1 in Davao City.
Co-chairs Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman and Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal opened the press conference with a message calling for a harmonious working relationship that strives for peace and prosperity, and for inclusive and sustainable development in BARMM and the whole Mindanao region.
The press conference was also graced by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur C. Abalos Jr., Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, and Senator Robinhood Padilla.
The IGRB was created through the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2019 and is mandated to coordinate and resolve issues between the two governments through regular consultation and continuing negotiation.
Aside from the IGRB, the Bangsamoro Organic Law has placed several mechanisms to strengthen intergovernmental relations which include the creation of the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum (PCBPF) and the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board (IFPB), among others.
According to Budget Secretary Pangandaman, all IGR mechanisms were already created and are set to convene by the end of the year.
Last month, the Philippine Congress - Bangsamoro Parliament Forum held its first meeting and discussed legislative issues and concerns. Meanwhile, the meeting of the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board, joined by the Budget Chief as well, also convened on the same day as the IGRB.
Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr. assures that the President fully supports the IGRB and the policies for local development in BARMM. Bearing the message of President Marcos, Secretary Lagdameo underscored that the current administration aims to assist the Bangsamoro leaders to ensure that all mechanisms are used so that the BARMM will be integrated into the national agenda for the Philippines.
“We will try to commit on this and resolve all the issues sa tulong po ng ating presidente, ng ating mahal na OSAP, at ang ating mahal na Senador Robinhood. What’s good here is the whole-of-government approach, lahat po ay tumutulong para maging successful ang ating BARMM,” Secretary Pangandaman noted in her closing remarks. (DBM)
