Bongao, Tawi-Tawi | July 26, 2025 - In a powerful message that resonated with sincerity and unity, Member of Parliament Abdulbasit Benito extended heartfelt support to more than 40 Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders gathered in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, during a public consultation on the proposed Bangsamoro Civil Society Engagement Act of 2025.
The consultation became more than just a legislative event—it transformed into a deeply human exchange between lawmakers and grassroots advocates.
“With deep peace and solidarity, I greet each of you who have long stood as pillars in your communities,” MP Benito began, addressing a room filled with community builders, youth leaders, and advocates from across the province. “Today is not just about lawmaking. It’s about the kind of Bangsamoro governance we are shaping—one that listens, one that includes, one that empowers.”
Benito, the principal author of the bill, emphasized that the proposed "Bangsamoro CSO Engagement Act of 2025" aims not to control, but to connect and uplift. In his words, it is a mechanism born out of necessity—designed to institutionalize support for CSOs and ensure their voices are formally recognized in regional governance.
“You have been the frontliners in peacebuilding, education, human rights, and more,” he acknowledged. “This office will be your bridge to the Parliament, the Ministries, and the leadership. It will not speak for you—but amplify your voice.”
The atmosphere was one of optimism and shared responsibility as MP Benito reaffirmed that the bill is not his alone. “This is your bill as much as it is mine,” he declared, reinforcing the idea that policymaking in BARMM must reflect ground realities and lived experiences of the people—especially those in far-flung areas like Tawi-Tawi.
The proposed office will serve as a platform for dialogue, capacity-building, policy engagement, and inter-CSO collaboration, addressing the longstanding need for coordination and inclusion across the region.
CSO participants responded with appreciation and thoughtful feedback, eager to help refine the proposal. Several praised the initiative for opening doors for long-term cooperation between grassroots organizations and the regional government.
As the consultation came to a close, MP Benito left the room with a resounding message that echoed long after the applause faded:
“Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Let us continue walking hand-in-hand toward a more peaceful, just, and resilient Bangsamoro.”
In Tawi-Tawi, where distance often equals exclusion, today's consultation marked a turning point—a reminder that in the Bangsamoro, governance can truly begin with the people.
July 26, 2025 - BY Admin