COTABATO CITY – By introducing a measure establishing provincial government centers in BARMM provinces, Bangsamoro lawmakers have drawn attention to a step that commits to enhanced accessibility and responsiveness to the needs of Bangsamoro people.

According to MP Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, the main author of BTA Bill No. 209, consolidating the provincial offices of various ministries, commissions, and offices into a single government center in each province will create a one-stop shop for citizens to access government services efficiently.

At present, many provincial offices are scattered across different areas and leased buildings, hindering easy public access and effective government coordination.

BTA Bill No. 209 is co-authored by MPs Atty. Laisa Alamia, Benjamin Loong, Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Atty. Rasol Mitmug, Amilbahar Mawallil, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Rasol Ismael, Atty. John Anthony Lim, Jaafar Apollo Mikhail Matalam, Michael Midtimbang, Hatimil Hassan, Tawakal Midtimbang, Albakil Jikiri, Abdulazis Amenoden, Dan Asnawie, Mohammad Kelie Antao, Abdulwahab Pak, Nabila Margarita Pangandaman, and Denmartin Kahalan.

“The establishment of these facilities in various provinces will enable the Bangsamoro Government to adopt space planning, allowing for specific and efficient use of different areas within the facilities,” explained MP Loong.

The Bangsamoro Provincial Government Centers Act of 2023 envisions centers in Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Lanao del Sur.

Said centers will serve as hubs for the provincial offices of ministries, commissions, and other government entities, as well as house their respective field offices.

Each government center will include satellite offices for the members of parliament.

Programs for the operationalization of their respective offices in the government centers will be created by each ministry, commission, and other office of the Bangsamoro Government.

The Bangsamoro Government aims to enhance citizens’ interaction with government institutions, increase public awareness of policies and regulations, and strengthen oversight of public resource utilization.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the provincial government centers, a Committee on the Establishment of the Bangsamoro Government Centers will be formed. This committee will be responsible for developing master plans, strategies, processes, and timetables for the centers’ development. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)