Cotabato City – the capital city of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, witnessed the launching and roll-out of the Bangsamoro Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (BRAPWPS) 2023-2028 program for the province of Maguindanao Del Norte (MDN). This was the discussion during the recent coordination and courtesy visit of BWC Chairperson Hadja Bainon Karon to the office of the MDN Governor Abdulraof Macacua.

The launching was attended by various stakeholders including government officials, representatives from civil society organizations, women’s groups, International Development partners, and members of the security sector. One of the distinguished guests was Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao who expressed full support for the program and emphasized that his administration is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of women in the region and ensuring their active participation in peacebuilding and security efforts through its GAD Focal Point System headed by Chairperson Engr. Ma. Adella A. Fiesta. MDN Governor Macacua could not attend the launching due to a prior commitment, however, he conveyed his support for the program through his representative Provincial Administrator Engr. Tomanda Antok, PhD.

PRO-BAR Regional Director PBGen Allan C. Nobleza – represented by Chief of RWCPD PCpt Judit Ambong, SGADA Administrator Hon. Butch Malang – represented by Hamzah A. Salik, UNYPhil-Women Executive Director Ms. Noraida Abo, and UNDP Cotabato Field Office Head Mr. Winston Aylmer Camarinas also graced the event and reiterated their commitment to supporting the BRAPWPS program and its objectives.

The series of launching and orientation activities in BARMM provinces is supported by the Commission’s long-term development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UNWOMEN) through the financial assistance of the UK and Canada Governments.