Sultanates of Buayan Darussala...

In a meaningful and culturally significant visit, the Sultanates of Buayan Darussalam paid a courtesy call to the office of Member of Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito earlier today, July 18, 2025. Held at his Cotabato City office, the visit highlighted the growing desire of traditional leaders to have a more institutionalized and participatory role in the governance of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

During the dialogue, representatives of the Sultanate appealed to MP Benito to author or sponsor a bill or resolution in the Bangsamoro Parliament that would formally recognize and institutionalize the meaningful participation of Sultanates within the regional government structure. They emphasized that the historical and cultural value of the Sultanates continues to resonate among the grassroots communities and should be integrated in nation-building efforts under the BARMM.

The traditional leaders also raised the need for capacity-building programs for People’s Organizations that are being managed or operated by the Sultanate. Furthermore, they proposed the establishment of a physical infrastructure that would serve both as a center for their cultural and civic activities and as a long-lasting legacy of MP Benito’s leadership and support to the Sultanates.

Another notable request raised during the meeting was for MP Benito’s office to facilitate a meeting with MILF Chairman and former Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim to revisit and follow up on several unfinished agreements between the Sultanates and the revolutionary leadership.

In response, MP Abdulbasit R. Benito warmly welcomed the concerns and proposals of the Sultanates and expressed his strong appreciation for their continuing involvement in regional development and peacebuilding. He assured them that he is willing to sponsor or author a resolution in the Bangsamoro Parliament that would support the institutionalization of the Sultanates' engagement in BARMM, especially in recognition of their role as custodians of tradition, peace, and local justice.

Regarding capacity-building, MP Benito affirmed that his office can provide support, seeing the Sultanate and its affiliated organizations as among his constituents who deserve assistance and empowerment.

On the request for a dedicated infrastructure, MP Benito noted that while his office does not directly handle infrastructure projects, he can actively lobby for it through the BARMM Leadership, possibly via the Special Development Fund (SDF), and in partnership with the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) and the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH).

However, on the request to facilitate a meeting with Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, MP Benito humbly declined, citing that he does not have direct access to the former Chief Minister at the moment.

Despite this, the overall meeting concluded on a positive and respectful note, marked by mutual understanding and a shared commitment to continue strengthening the ties between traditional governance and the evolving parliamentary system of the BARMM.

MP Benito reiterated his support to preserving the cultural fabric of the region and ensuring that the wisdom and leadership of the Sultanates are not only recognized but meaningfully integrated into the future of the Bangsamoro.