26 February 2024 | 16 Sha’ban 1445 AH

Basilan – The Bangsamoro Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (BRAPWPS) 2023-2028 Program is a six-year plan that aims to address the specific needs and concerns of women in the conflict-affected areas in the BARMM region. This program recognizes the invaluable role that women play in peacebuilding and security, and seeks to empower them by providing opportunities of participation and leadership. To ensure the successful implementation of this program, the Commission has collaborated with various stakeholders, including the local government units, development partners, civil society organizations, and the Philippine security sector. Thus, bringing this comprehensive program to the provinces of BARMM is necessary to provide adequate support and resources as well as raising awareness. The rollout in the province is a significant step in ensuring that the voices and experiences of women are heard and considered in peace and development.

The Commission’s Technical Team embarks on a series of launching and orientation activities in each province to ensure that key stakeholders are well-informed of the BRAPWPS program. Provincial offices of the Commissioners coordinated with the local government units and other stakeholders to take part in the roll-out process. Basilan is the first province visited among the provinces in the BARMM region for the provincial launching. During the rollout, various local government officials, women leaders, and representatives from civil society organizations participated. Distinguished leaders were in attendance, led by Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman, who stressed the importance that our programs and plans from the region aligns with the provincial development plans, working together in the local context of the province. This reflects the collaborative approach in Basilan, emphasizing the need for partnership and engagement from all stakeholders in order to effectively implement and sustain the WPS program in the province.

Also those who delivered messages of support and commitment were Basilan Police Provincial Office Director PCol. Carlos T. Madronio, CGS Basilan Station Commander CGL LTSG Jorrel L. Sebastian, from 101st (Three Red Arrows) Brigade 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, PA Commanding Officer BGEN Alvin V. Luzon, and Basilan Board Member Jay Hataman Salliman. Dr. Judith De Guzman, UNDP Program Manager of the Peacebuilding, Peace, and Stabilization Program, and UN Women Field Programme Coordinator Jonas Gregory Perez gave their commitment to continue to accompany the commission in the WPS agenda. The convergence of these leaders and stakeholders highlighted the strong commitment to promoting gender equality and peace in Basilan.
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.