COTABATO CITY – The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), actively participated in the Stakeholders Consultation on the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 62. This landmark legislation seeks to uphold the rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The consultation, held on January 30–31, 2025, at Pagana Hall in Cotabato City, was spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Bringing together key stakeholders from across the Bangsamoro Region, the event convened representatives from Bangsamoro ministries, local government units (LGUs), development partners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and IDP leaders. The collective effort aimed to ensure that the IRR is inclusive, comprehensive, and responsive to the needs of displaced communities in the region.
The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of IDPs by actively engaging in the consultation process. Through its PDRRMO, the province contributed insights and recommendations to help shape policies that address the unique challenges faced by displaced individuals and families in BARMM.
MSSD Minister emphasized the importance of a participatory approach in crafting the IRR, ensuring that policies reflect the realities on the ground. “This consultation serves as a platform for stakeholders to voice their concerns, share best practices, and collaboratively develop regulations that will truly benefit IDPs in the Bangsamoro region,” the minister stated.
Participants discussed key provisions of the IRR, focusing on critical areas such as humanitarian assistance, access to social services, livelihood opportunities, and durable solutions for displacement. The consultation highlighted the necessity of an inclusive framework that respects the rights and dignity of all IDPs while promoting long-term stability and resilience in conflict-affected communities.
The engagement of Lanao del Sur’s PDRRMO in the consultation aligns with the province’s broader disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response efforts. As the IRR moves toward finalization, stakeholders remain hopeful that it will pave the way for a more structured and rights-based approach to addressing internal displacement in BARMM.
The formulation of the IRR under Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 62 marks a significant step toward strengthening protections for displaced populations in the region. With continued collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and international partners, the initiative seeks to create a more secure and sustainable future for IDPs in the Bangsamoro region.
