Cotabato City—Transforming Fragilities, Inc. (TFI), with the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), presented the findings of the Bangsamoro Youth Assessment Study (BYAS) on January 30, 2025. The presentation served as a platform for discussing the study’s key insights and identifying ways to address the challenges and aspirations of young people in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and its diaspora communities.
As a pioneering initiative, BYAS provides a comprehensive and contextualized understanding of the lived realities of Bangsamoro youth. The study serves as a crucial reference for developing evidence-based, conflict-sensitive, and context-specific policies and programs aimed at empowering young people in the region.
TFI’s Mr. Adam Anay led the presentation, highlighting key findings related to education, employment, governance, and peacebuilding. He emphasized the need for data-driven approaches in policymaking and program development to ensure that youth-centered initiatives are responsive to their actual needs.
BYC Chairperson Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong emphasized the value of the study in shaping policies that are not only data-driven but also sensitive to the unique circumstances of Bangsamoro youth. He pointed out that BYAS offers a clearer picture of their realities, making it an essential tool in designing interventions that genuinely address their concerns and aspirations.
The event also facilitated discussions among key stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and youth groups. Participants explored ways to translate the study’s recommendations into concrete actions that would enhance youth engagement, participation, and overall development in BARMM.
BYC reaffirmed its commitment to using the study as a foundation for shaping policies and interventions that genuinely reflect the experiences and needs of Bangsamoro youth. The collaboration between BYC and TFI underscores the importance of evidence-based strategies in fostering a more inclusive and youth-centered future for the region.
