THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was urged by the European Union ambassador to the Philippines to intensify consultations across the region in crafting the draft Bangsamoro governance and electoral codes.EU Ambassador Luc Veron issued the call last Monday, January 16, as the EU donated two mini buses and light emitting diode movable display wall to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), through the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (Subatra) program, to help it in consultations with sectors across the BARMM.'We witnessed the BTA is working hard in fast-tracking the passage of two vital and priority codes, electoral code and local governance code,' Veron said.'These codes are important pieces of legislation that will ensure political stability in the BARMM in the years to come and further promote peace and development,' he added.Through the Subatra, Veron said, the EU seeks to help the BTA parliament ensure inclusive participation through open, transparent and extensive public consultations so that all voices from various groups are heard.He hoped for the active participation from various groups, especially the marginalized and vulnerable groups among Muslims, non-Muslims and Indigenous Peoples like women, youth, the elderly and people with disabilities.The Subatra, which was launched last year, is a five-year, P1.5-billion program funded by the EU, and co-financed by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, through an agreement with the Philippine government.It contributed to a smooth and timely undertaking of the transition through capacity building of the three branches of the Bangsamoro government and civil society organizations.Furthermore, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim was elated with the presence of Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. at the event, acknowledging the latter's unending contributions to peace in Mindanao.Galvez, in his speech, said he remains the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity while heading the Defense department.'Peace process will always be in my heart and I promise to you, chief minister and all the members of the parliament, that all of my remaining life will be dedicated to achieving peace in the Bangsamoro,' he added.
