Davao City – The Commission equipped its Technical team with necessary knowledge and skills to effectively monitor, evaluate, ensure accountability, and promote learning in its initiative on the Bangsamoro Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (BRAPWPS) through a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Workshop held on March 12-13, 2024 at Blue Lotus Hotel, Davao City.

The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of the Technical team in implementing a robust MEAL system, which plays a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness and impact of the BRAPWPS. Mr. Ahmed Harris “Tommy” Pangcoga, who served as the facilitator, emphasized the importance of MEAL in evidence-based policymaking and decision-making processes. He imparted his expertise to the Commission’s technical team to enhance their understanding of MEAL concepts, frameworks, and tools which will help them in aligning BRAPWPS MEAL data for the 2023 Bangsamoro Development Report.

Chairperson Hadja Bainon G. Karon commenced the workshop by highlighting the Journey of the BRAPWPS and its significance in promoting women’s empowerment and peace in the Bangsamoro region. Her message was supported by UNDP Program Manager Dr. Judith De Guzman, who left the participants with key insights on the importance of creating a MEAL system saying that “WPS is not an exercise in reporting but an in depth take to the changes we wish to see in the community”.

To articulate the participants’ perspectives, the two-day MEAL Workshop was conducted in a participatory and interactive manner, allowing participants to actively engage in discussions and hands-on activities. MILG’s Local Government Operations Officer V (LGOO V) Mr. Nor-amin C. Moraki also provided some inputs and their agency’s role in supporting the implementation of the BRAPWPS.

The workshop is funded by the Commission’s long-time development partner United Nations Development Programme with support from the UK Government.