Cotabato City, January 20 – As part of the 6th Bangsamoro Foundation Day celebrations, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) spearheaded a significant ceremonial signing of the approved Bangsamoro Forest Land Use Plan (BFLUP) for three municipalities. In addition, MENRE distributed trash bins to four municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), demonstrating its ongoing commitment to sustainable environmental management.
The ceremonial signing, held at the Bangsamoro Government Center, was led by MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim, Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama, and Assistant Senior Minister Engr. Mohajirin Ali. Local government officials, including the Municipal Mayors and Vice Mayors of Pualas, Lanao del Sur; Upi, Maguindanao del Norte; and Maluso, Basilan, were key signatories to the event, marking a new chapter in forestland management in their respective areas.
A Decade-Long Plan for Sustainability
The 10-year Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) aims to secure the sustainable management of forestlands through an inclusive and accountable approach. The MENRE Forest Management Services (FMS) led extensive deliberations to align the BFLUPs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Philippine Development Plan, and the Bangsamoro Development Plan (2023–2028).
“These FLUPs emphasize the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of forestlands, ensuring that these vital resources serve the region for generations to come,” said Minister Brahim. The plan’s implementation will involve a collaborative approach between MENRE and local government units, ensuring shared responsibility and accountability.
Partner Contributions and Community Impact
The Asia Foundation and Kutawato Greenland Initiative (KGI) played pivotal roles in developing the FLUPs, ensuring that the plans are both comprehensive and grounded in local realities. Their contributions underscore the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals in BARMM.
In line with its environmental goals, MENRE distributed 300 trash bins to four municipalities, with allocations as follows:
- Municipality of Datu Blah Sinsuat: 100 units
- Datu Odin Sinsuat: 85 units
- Talayan in Maguindanao del Sur: 50 units
- Upi in Maguindanao del Norte: 50 units
- Datu Odin Sinsuat District Hospital: 15 units
These trash bins aim to improve waste management practices in the recipient municipalities, promoting cleaner and healthier communities.
Enhancing Field Operations and Disaster Resilience
MENRE also handed over two pick-up trucks to the Mines and Geosciences Services (MGS) to enhance field operations, particularly for geohazard mapping. Additionally, the MGS submitted technical reports to the Office of the Chief Minister, detailing findings from the Geological Risk Reduction and Resiliency Program in 21 municipalities and the Geological Mapping Program in 22 municipalities across BARMM.
Key Officials in Attendance
The event was graced by notable officials, including:
- Bangsamoro Director General for ENR, Atty. Badr E. Salendab
- FMS Director Abdul-Jalil S. Umngan
- MGS Director Raphael L. Remo
- Basilan Provincial ENRE Officer Forester Marietta R. Ladjiman
- Maguindanao Provincial ENRE Officer Forester Lauban S. Abdul
- Chief of Solid Waste Management Division Abdulmaoti Akmad
- Chief Geologist Aminshani Lukman
Commitment to a Resilient Future
The activities and programs launched during the 6th Bangsamoro Foundation Day reflect MENRE’s unwavering dedication to sustainable environmental management and community well-being. As the Bangsamoro region celebrates its founding anniversary, MENRE’s initiatives underscore its vision for a resilient and sustainable future for the Bangsamoro people.