Fostering Transformation in the BARMM with Forward Bangsamoro

Forward Bangsamoro, now in its fourth year, is a six-year project funded by the USAID and implemented by The Asia Foundation. The project’s mission is to enhance local governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) by strengthening the capacity of legislatures and key government institutions, supporting policy development and reforms, and fostering engagement with civil society organizations to empower inclusive participation in the Bangsamoro transition towards full self-governance.  

Through close collaboration with the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and five key ministries, Forward Bangsamoro achieved several significant milestones.  

These include contributing to the development of the second Bangsamoro Development Plan, supporting strategic planning for the BTA Parliament’s Statutory Committees Support Service, assisting in the capacity development of 25 career service professionals from the Ministry of Human Settlement and Development in urban and regional planning, and facilitating the organizational development of the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism. These efforts led to the successful first Bangsamoro Business Conference in January 2023.  

Additionally, Forward Bangsamoro played a pivotal role in developing and drafting key bills, including the Bangsamoro Agriculture, Fishery, and Agrarian Reform Bill and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Bill. The project also empowered Bangsamoro civil society organizations, amplifying their voices and facilitating their constructive engagement with the Bangsamoro government during this crucial transition period.