NEWS




4August

CSOs, NGOs Converge on Stakeholders Concerns on BOL

BULUAN, MAGUINDANAO (August 2, 2018) ------ Leaders of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) converged in this town to discuss issues and concerns on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) particularly on the Opt-in Provision that will allow contiguous areas to join the Bangsamoro in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Nash Mustapha, NGO Representative, said “There must be a series of information and education campaign in the 39 barangays of North Cotabato to get the support of the residents and the local government units concerned.”

Prof. Esmael A. Abdula, President of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute, emphasized that “Coordination and voters’ education on the core areas and contiguous areas are needed to get the support of concerned residents to the BOL.”

Abdula added that massive campaign in contiguous areas as regards the filing of petition for inclusion into the Bangsamoro must be undertaken right away and strengthened.

Thaks Mosaid, NGO Representative of Ligawasan Marsh, said “Ligawasan Marsh residents need to be educated and enlightened about BOL so that they can support it.”

Jahara Zumbaga, Women Sector Representative, said “Women must be empowered so that they can help in advocating the BOL in the communities.”

Mogawan Manonggal, former local leader of Bunawan, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, said “Residents of Bunawan and its adjacent communities need massive campaign on BOL so that they can be convinced to join the BARMM.”

Dante Mulod, Youth Leader, said “Youth must be the primary target of information and education campaign on BOL because they comprised largest number of the population.”

Mulod added: “Youth sector could help shape the Bangsamoro Government in a given time.”