ASOG and IAG formally launch Access Bangsamoro

The Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) through the Ateneo Policy Center and the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) formally launched the Access Bangsamoro website and social media channels last 30 May 2019 at the EM Manor Hotel in Cotabato City. In attendance during the event were representatives from the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, national and local government officials, members of the BTA, policymakers, the academe, and the media.

The Access Bangsamoro website and social media channels were launched to help promote the free flow of information, analysis, and discussion relating to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the transition into the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The ASOG-IAG Access Bangsamoro collaboration is part of the Australian Government’s efforts to support peace and stability in the Bangsamoro region.

In his opening remarks, ASOG Dean Dr. Ronald Mendoza called Access Bangsamoro as “the first of its kind” and expressed his hope that the research and analysis to be released in the portals will aid the BARMM during its three-year transition.

The launching ceremony in Cotabato City also highlighted the messages of support from Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Presidential Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.

For Ambassador Robinson, “Access Bangsamoro will serve as a platform for education and discussion, help create sound and effective evidence-based public policy, and engage as wide a part of society as possible.”

In his message, Chief Minister Ebrahim said the Bangsamoro Government is committed to support Access Bangsamoro with the “hope that the portal will provide a significant space for research and discussions that will promote transparency, accountability and moral governance in the Bangsamoro.” He was represented by Engr. Mohajirin Ali, Executive Director of RPDO-BARMM.

Secretary Carlito Galvez. Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, represented by Mr. Ariel Hernandez, called Access Bangsamoro “an innovative initiative” that can be a “valuable tool for the BARMM government's efforts to carry out meaningful and sustainable reforms in the region, where people can be apprised on what’s happening in the Bangsamoro, participate in discourse relating to governance, and put their insights and suggestions forward.”

Finally, Usec. Cesar B. Yano delivered the message of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who lauded Access Bangsamoro calling it a “masterfully designed” concept that can “bring stakeholders together to openly exchange views on how to realize prospects and address gaps and challenges in a policy-based approach.”

The Access Bangsamoro website and social media channels will release think pieces, videos, infographics, and other publications on three policy issues namely intergovernmental relations, parliamentary and electoral system,  and public finance management and block grant.

Access Bangsamoro may be viewed in the following channels:

Website: https://accessbangsamoro.ph/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accessbangsamoro/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AccessBM

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFVcrEncG_eNKwURgoiWfkQ