2026-01-23 to 2026-01-23

BARMM marks founding anniversary in MDN with expanded social, livelihood services

The Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) and the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management (MFBM) led the service convergence activity of various BARMM agencies on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Old Capitol Gymnasium, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, as part of the region’s 7th founding anniversary. (Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO) SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Social support, livelihood aid, and community services poured into Maguindanao del Norte as Bangsamoro Government ministries, offices, and agencies mounted a service convergence on Thursday, January 22, in celebration of the region’s 7th founding anniversary. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) and the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management (MFBM), the activity was organized in partnership with the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Norte. MOLE Minister Muslimin Sema emphasized the region’s shared commitment to peace, social justice, and economic development during the event. “We are reminded that meaningful autonomy is measured by how effectively we uplift the lives of our workers, farmers, fisherfolk, youth, women, and the vulnerable sectors,” Sema said. “Samahan ninyo kami sa patuloy na pagbubuo ng isang maunlad at nagkakaisang Bangsamoro.” Wide range of government services BARMM agencies offered an array of services, including financial aid under the BREED Program, registration of workers’ associations and establishments, legal assistance, job fair and special recruitment activities, access to the MOLE job portal, kasambahay registration, and enrollment for the Bangsamoro Internship Program. MOLE also rolled out the Negosyo Cart program and monitored compliance with labor laws. Among the beneficiaries was 47-year-old former OFW Michael Sabal from Datu Odin Sinsuat, who received P20,000 as livelihood capital for his family’s small eatery. “Maraming-maraming salamat sa MOLE sa ibinigay sa amin na tulong pinansyal, ini-negosyo ko po ito para hindi na ako bumalik sa abroad,” he said. MFBM distributed 100 sacks of 25-kilo rice, while the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) Maguindanao Provincial Office facilitated 50 free business name registrations and offered basic business consultations. Children and families also enjoyed free ice cream, cotton candy, and popcorn provided by the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC). Fifty vulnerable women received pink kits and participated in a Kamustahan session with Kaka Bai beneficiaries. Support for farmers, fisherfolk, and seniors The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) distributed 500 bags of fertilizer, 500 bags of corn seeds, 3,000 assorted fruit seedlings, 1,000 sachets of vegetable seeds, processed registration and renewal of commercial vessel gears, and issued fisherfolk identification cards. The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) provided 46 customized eyeglasses for seniors under its Sagip Paningin Program, 12 assistive devices—including wheelchairs and crutches—and 10 emergency go bags. Aladin Lawan, 23, a student with disability from Sultan Mastura and a beneficiary of a wheelchair from MSSD, expressed his gratitude. “Gagamitin ko itong wheelchair sa pag-aaral ko,” he said. The activity, held at the Old Capitol Gymnasium here, was attended by MFBM Director I for Internal Audit Services Fatima Mending-Abas, MSSD Director General Atty. Mohammad Muktadir Ahmad Estrella, BWC Chairperson Bainon Karon, and other BARMM officials. (Myrna Tepadan/BIO)