TAWI-TAWI— The two-day public consultation on the proposed Bangsamoro Local Governance Code in this province concluded today, December 7, with participants from various civil society organizations and academe sharing their expert opinions and sentiments.

Among the concerns raised were the proposed code’s inclusivity, its provisions on qualifications and disqualifications for elective local positions, and anti-political dynasties.

Princess Rabeah Abdulrahim, representative of the Tawi-Tawi Alliance of Civil Society Organizations, noted that the Parliament should look into the educational requirement provision in the proposed local governance code.

Under the proposed code, those seeking provincial, city, and municipal positions must at least reach college-level education.

MP Dr. Susana Anayatin assured everyone that should the proposed BTA Bill No. 30 be enacted, it will be instrumental in bringing about the change that the people of BARMM desire.

“BLGC provides how services from the regional office are cascaded down to provincial offices,” said Anayatin.

The proposed priority code seeks to provide a clear direction between local government units and the Bangsamoro government. Local governments will gradually and systematically gain more rights, authority, responsibilities, and resources, resulting in a more responsive and accountable structure.

The proposed bill has received support from Tawi-Tawi Sanib Pwersa Kabataan, Inc., a coalition of 83 active youth organizations in the province recognized by the Bangsamoro Youth Commission.

Said youth organization believes that the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code is critical in establishing a stronger and responsive government system for the LGUs.

“We call on other organizations, units, and sectors in the community to remain steadfast in their support for the BARMM government as well as the proposed code, which will provide a stronger bureaucracy and inclusive and transparent governance,” it said in a position paper submitted. (LTAIS- Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)