ARMM holds 2nd Bangsamoro Women’s Summit

Cotabato City (March 15, 2018) – Women leaders from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) line agencies and local government units, as well as from civil society organizations, participated in the 2nd ARMM Bangsamoro Women’s Economic and Development Summit held here on Wednesday, March 14. 

Bearing the theme ‘Meaningful Change for Economic and Political Participation for Bangsamoro Women’, the summit seeks to strengthen the capacity of women leaders assuming various roles in economic development leading to a more progressive autonomous Muslim region. 

The summit was spearheaded by the ARMM’s Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec). 

In his keynote message, OPAPP Secretary Jesus Dureza stressed the important roles women play in peace building in communities. “Women are the best instruments in helping society, especially in dealing with peace and security in the area,” he said. “They play an important, efficient, and productive role (in promoting) peace, not only in the family but also in the community,” he added. 

Comelec Commissioner Ma. Rowena Amelia Guanzon, one of the resource speakers, emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in the political arena. “When women don’t participate in the government, they will never have a fare share of resources on finance, education, health and livelihood,” she said. 

She also said people should get rid of the stereotypes that Bangsamoro women can’t lead. “We should educate our people, especially our youth, that girls can lead as well as boys.” 

“Mahalaga na patuloy nating itaguyod ang karapatan ng mga kababaihan,” said ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman in his message delivered by Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Alamia. “At patuloy tayo na maging bukas sa pagwawasto at pagbabago upang maging mas makatwiran at makatarungan ang ating pamumuhay, habang patuloy tayong nagsisikap para sa maunlad na kinabukasan,” he added. 

At the activity’s venue, some of the region’s line agencies showed their support by setting up booths showcasing their services for the participants. The summit is in line with the National Women’s Month celebration and also falls within the regional celebration of Bangsamoro Week of Peace 2018. (Bureau of Public Information)