BARMM prioritizes COVID-19 response over anniversary festivities

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is marking its first anniversary by prioritizing service delivery and relief operations over planned festivities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod "Murad" Ebrahim stated that the primary focus is on combating the virus and addressing the needs of the region's constituents.

The BARMM, established on March 29, 2019, now encompasses Cotabato City, 63 villages from North Cotabato, and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur.

The regional government has allocated millions for medical supplies distributed to COVID-19 referral hospitals and integrated health offices.

Through the Ministry of Social Services and Development, an initial P7.3 million has been downloaded to component areas for local government units to purchase and distribute relief goods.

Volunteers have begun distributing relief packs to households in Cotabato City, with a target of 16,000 families, as well as habal-habal and tricycle drivers.

Relief packs, each valued at P1,000, will also be distributed to 63 barangays in North Cotabato that are now part of the BARMM territory.

Chief Minister Ebrahim has appealed for unity among constituents and political leaders to set aside differences and work together to combat the pandemic.