DBM chief adopted as regular member of the BARMM council of leaders
Being the co-chairpersons of the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB),
Secretary Pangandaman from the National Government (NG) side and Minister
Mohagher Iqbal from the Bangsamoro Government (BG) side were are officially
recognized as members of the Council, with no additional mandatory appointments
required.
As a proud member of the Maranao community and an indigenous group, Secretary
Pangandaman recognizes the deep understanding of what it implies to belong to a
minority group.
“I perceive this uniqueness as an opportunity — a strength — rather than a
disadvantage. I firmly advocate transcending one’s limitations and leveraging
one’s uniqueness on a global platform. This promotes our rich cultural heritage
while fostering strong, globally interconnected relationships,” the budget
secretary stressed.
“That is why, whenever I am on regional travels, I make sure that I immerse
myself in the local community to know and appreciate their culture and
heritage,” she added.
Pangandaman’s term as a sectoral representative will be coterminous with the
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.
Imbued by their strong desire to promote a peaceful and thriving region, the
budget secretary and other members of the Council are expected to receive no
compensation except the per diems and necessary expenses for attending meetings
and activities.
Following three Council of Leaders meetings in 2021, a nominative call for
Community and Sectoral Representatives for the BARMM Council of Leaders was
initiated in late 2022, with the selection of representatives from the private
educational institutions and labor sector still pending this year.
In accordance with Section 9, Article VI of Republic Act No. 11054, also known
as the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the Council of Leaders is tasked with
advising the Chief Minister on governance issues within the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region.
Aside from the co-chairpersons of IGRB, the individuals holding the positions
of Chief Minister, Members of the Congress from the Bangsamoro Autonomous
Region of the Philippines, Provincial Governors, Mayors of the Chartered Cities
within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, possess an ex officio status. This
status is inherently attributed to their positions and does not necessitate a
distinct appointment. (DBM/PIA-Caraga)
