5-6 March 2024 | 24-25 Shaʻban 1445 AH
Tawi-Tawi – The 3rd leg of the launch and roll-out of the Bangsamoro Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2023-2028 Program was successfully conducted at Rachel’s Place Hotel and Restaurant in the province of Tawi-Tawi. Before the official launch, BWC Chairperson Hadja Bainon G. Karon paid a courtesy visit to Governor Yshmael Sali in his office at the Provincial Capitol and other local government officials to thank them for their support and discuss the importance of the program in promoting women’s empowerment, peace, and security in the province.
Similar to the previous segments of the program in the island provinces of Basilan and Sulu, the launching and roll-out of the BRAPWPS 2023-2028 Program in Tawi-Tawi was met with great enthusiasm and support from the local government officials, community leaders, and women’s organizations. The event was a testament to the strong commitment of the province of Tawi-Tawi to supporting the BARMM government’s efforts in advancing women’s rights and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in conflict-affected areas.
During the event, local government officials including distinguished guests from the security sector, civil society organizations, and women leaders expressed their appreciation for the program and its potential to create positive changes in the lives of women in Tawi-Tawi. The following guests expressed their gratitude and support for the launching and roll-out of the BRAPWPS 2023-2028 Program in Tawi-Tawi: Hon. Yshmael I. Sali Governor, Tawi-Tawi represented by Hon. Dayang Carlsum Sangkula-Jumaide, Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office Director Colonel Richard B. Basco, Municipal Mayor Hon. Jimuel S. Que Bongao represented by Municipal Administrator Mary Ann Abdulmunap, TPWC Chairperson Hja. Jumda Sali represented by Provincial Social Welfare Officer Hon. Belinda C. Adil, and MILG Tawi-Tawi Provincial Director Gulamhasan A. Sappayani, Their presence and words of gratitude indicate how supportive they are of initiatives that support women’s rights advocacies.
A simultaneous distribution of rice and food packs was conducted in two (2) different locations to ensure that the 200 identified women from MILF BIWAB/SWC, MNLF Women Committee, WIMRAMP members, and women organizations benefit from the Convergence Initiative and Food Security Initiative Programs which was supported by MSSD and Japan Government through UNDP.
To maximize the opportunity of being in the Tawi-Tawi province, the program was preceded by the turnover of the newly constructed Bangsamoro Women Multi-purpose Center, which will provide a dedicated space for the staff of Pusakah sin Kababaihan Marketing Cooperative to carry out their activities and provide support to women entrepreneurs and GBV victim/survivors in the community. Barangay Chairwoman of Luuk Pandan Hja. Aida J. Andas expressed her gratitude for the establishment of the center, stating that it will greatly benefit women in the community and enhance their economic opportunities. Assistant District Engineer of MPW DEO TAWI-TAWI Engr. Virginia D. Hassan was also present, being the representative of the government agency responsible for the construction of the center through the Traditional Development Impact Fund of former Member of the Parliament and concurrent BWC Chairperson Bainon G. Karon, to take part in the turnover ceremony of the multi-purpose center.
The series of launching and orientation activities in BASULTA 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.