COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Parliament has proposed a measure that will strengthen the Bangsamoro Satellite Coordinating Offices, citing that it will increase operational effectiveness and reinforce the efficient government’s program implementation.

Bill No. 116 or Bangsamoro Satellite Coordinating Office Act of 2021 proposes to improve collaboration, coordination, management, and communication between the regional government and its component local government units.

The bill aims to ensure that the BARMM’s three sub-regions, South Western, North Central, and South Central Mindanao, have “full and effective participation” in developing and implementing the projects in the region.

It will function as the Chief Minister’s coordinating offices, providing advisory or consultative services on their respective sub-regions.

“The coordination between these areas as well as the different levels of the government in the region is essential to ensuring the protection of the general welfare of the Bangsamoro people,” authors wrote in their explanatory note.

BASCO, as mentioned in the bill, is expected to exercise the following powers and functions:

• To coordinate and evaluate the implementation of all programs and projects in the sub-region;
• To mandate the LGUs in submitting comprehensive local development plans, in coordination with their Local Planning Officer and Local Development Council;
• To establish linkages with the region’s LGUs in pursuing program development;
• To recommend the enactment of local ordinances and the enhanced implementation of local programs;
• To assist in the implementation of all cross-border regional projects along and within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; and
• To promulgate rules and regulations and perform such other powers and functions necessary.

“Close cooperation and continuous dialogue between these regional actors will enable the Bangsamoro Government to make informed decisions and crucial changes in its implementation, if needed, and ultimately lead to responsiveness and efficiency,” they added.

Members of the Parliament Amir Mawallil, Engr. Baintan Ampatuan and Atty. Rasol Mitmug presented the bill in the plenary on Wednesday. (Publication and Media Relations Division)