ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 21, 2026 — Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Social Services and Development (CSSD), Member of Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito, attended the Committee's public hearing on Tuesday for BTA Bill No. 394, a proposed measure institutionalizing development assistance for Bangsamoro people and communities outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The public hearing was presided over by CSSD Chairperson Member of Parliament Nureddha I. Misuari and gathered representatives from the religious sector, academe, youth organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to provide comments and recommendations on the proposed legislation.
In his closing remarks, MP Benito thanked all participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions, emphasizing that public consultations are essential in crafting responsive and inclusive legislation anchored on Islamic values, Bangsamoro culture, and traditions.
He underscored the significance of BTA Bill No. 394, describing it as more than a development measure but a recognition of the Bangsamoro people's shared history, identity, and collective responsibility to every Bangsamoro, regardless of where they reside.
MP Benito stressed that Bangsamoro identity is not confined within the territorial boundaries of BARMM, noting that many Bangsamoro communities continue to live in Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Davao Region, Palawan, Metro Manila, and other parts of the country.
He emphasized that these communities should not be left behind in accessing government programs and services intended for the welfare of the Bangsamoro people.
He also highlighted that many of the historical injustices suffered by the Bangsamoro—including discrimination, forced displacement, loss of ancestral lands, and other forms of marginalization—occurred in areas that are now outside the BARMM. Because of this, he said it is only just that Bangsamoro communities outside the region continue to receive support, opportunities, and development assistance.
According to MP Benito, the proposed measure is not about extending services beyond BARMM's territorial jurisdiction but about fulfilling the Bangsamoro Government's moral and legal responsibility to its people wherever they may be.
He said the bill seeks to institutionalize access to education, livelihood, social protection, capacity-building, and other development programs for Bangsamoro communities outside the region.
The vice chairperson likewise assured stakeholders that the Committee would carefully consider all recommendations raised during the public hearing to further strengthen the proposed measure before it is submitted for further deliberation in Parliament.
MP Benito concluded by reaffirming the Committee's commitment to ensuring that every law enacted reflects the voices, aspirations, and collective wisdom of the Bangsamoro people through meaningful public consultation. He also expressed hope that the measure would help achieve a more inclusive Bangsamoro where every Bangsamoro—whether living inside or outside BARMM—has equal opportunities to benefit from peace, development, and moral governance.