Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (REUTERS file photo)
COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has lauded the leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for “improving people’s lives” and for “securing the future” of the region.
“I hope you will continue to be an example of integrity, compassion, and unity among your constituents,” Lorenzana, who is the BARMM’s Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security, said in a recent speech in this city.
“Next to the president, I am the happiest person working for the success of the Bangsamoro,” the defense chief further said.
Within two years of the interim regional government’s creation, it has delivered social services to a wide swathe of its constituents, thanks to hefty resources now under its control compared to the previous setup.
The regional government has so far provided emergency relief assistance to 457,765 families. Through a medical assistance program under the office of Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, it has helped to shoulder the bills of 9,826 patients who sought care in 11 partner hospitals.
To help foster entrepreneurship to build stable incomes, the BARMM aided some 12,732 individuals set up their chosen livelihood pursuits.
So far, 23,724 students who come from low-income families were given educational assistance through the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD). Also through the MSSD, some 5,005 orphans received financial assistance, handed to families who are caring for them.
With a more robust fiscal position, BARMM was able to assist many families in the region during the crippling lockdowns last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lorenzana advised the BARMM leaders to uphold inclusivity.
“We do not leave anyone behind,” he said.
Lorenzana also stressed the importance of effectively carrying out the normalization activities in order to improve the lives of former Moro combatants as well as stir progress within their communities.