Cotabato City – March 30, 2025 | In a significant move toward inclusive governance, more than 20 Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders from North Cotabato, the Special Geographic Area, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Cotabato City gathered today at the office of Member of Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito for the "1st Stakeholders Consultation on CSO Legislative Agenda Setting".
The consultation served as a platform for grassroots organizations to voice their concerns, propose policy recommendations, and actively contribute to shaping legislative priorities in the Bangsamoro Parliament. MP Benito emphasized that CSOs play a crucial role in democratic governance, ensuring that laws and policies reflect the actual needs of the communities they serve.
"Legislation must be rooted in the realities of our people," Benito said in his opening remarks. "By listening to CSOs, we ensure that our laws address real issues—whether in education, health, livelihood, or peace and security."
During the discussions, participants highlighted pressing concerns, including access to basic services, economic opportunities, human rights protection, and the long-term sustainability of peace efforts in the region. Leaders from various sectors, including women’s rights, youth empowerment, and indigenous communities, shared their insights and recommendations, fostering a dynamic exchange between policymakers and civil society advocates.
CSO representatives expressed their appreciation for the initiative, underscoring that such consultations empower grassroots communities to have a direct hand in governance and policy-making.
"This is a step forward in making governance more participatory. We hope that our voices will translate into meaningful policies that will uplift our communities," said one CSO leader from Maguindanao del Norte.
The Office of MP Abdulbasit Benito assured that the inputs from the consultation will be carefully considered in drafting legislative measures that reflect the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. This event marks the beginning of a series of engagements aimed at strengthening the partnership between lawmakers and civil society in building a more inclusive and responsive Bangsamoro government.
March 30, 2025 - BY Admin