Data key for envisioning BARMM development – EU envoy

SEAT OF POWER The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Government Center in Cotabato City houses the offices of the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. —PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE

DAVAO CITY, Davao del Sur, Philippines — The European Union EU) has cited the importance of data in envisioning development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region government (BARMM).

“We recognize the importance of evidence-based planning, decision-making, and strategic communication in this crucial stage of the transition period in BARMM,” said Christoph Wagner, head of cooperation of the EU delegation to the Philippines.

Recently, the EU, through the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (Subatra) Programme, donated about P27 million in equipment to the BARMM, to support the data management initiatives of key agencies of the region for communication and creating laws.

Mohajirin Ali, director-general of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority and Subatra director, expressed gratitude to the EU for the support.

“As we develop the capacities of our workforce with support from Subatra, we also equip them with tools that enable them to deliver their tasks efficiently and contribute to the success of the transition period,” said Ali.

He said that the program contributes to strengthening the regional government.

Subatra runs from July 2020 to June 2025 with about P1.5 billion in funds mainly from the EU, and some from the Spanish Development Cooperation Agency. It is being co-implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services, and the Particip–Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Consortium.

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