COTABATO CITY, Philippines (July 25, 2025) โ The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) conducted a consultation with Bangsamoro young professionals at Alnor Convention Hall on July 24. This activity is part of a series of consultations with varous sub-sectors of the youth and with BARMM Ministries, Offices and Agencies (MOAs) implemented by BYC in formulating the Bangsamoro Youth Development Plan (BYDP).
The consultation aimed to maximize the use of findings from the Bangsamoro Youth Assessment Study (BYAS) in shaping the BYDP 2025โ2030โthe regionโs first comprehensive development framework for youth development. Youth representatives, local stakeholders, and implementing partners were gathered in this series of consultations to validate key youth concerns, map ongoing interventions, and collaboratively set targets aligned with the realities of young people across the region.
The consultation with young professionals was facilitated by Ms. Judith Joy Libarnes, Managing Director of Transforming Fragilities, Inc. (TFI), alongside Mr. Jaffari Abdulwahab, on-call facilitator and TFI Provincial Supervisor for Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. Both guided discussions on inclusive planning, context-sensitive approaches, and participatory processes. Technical assistance was provided by Princess Balinte, TFIโs Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Associate.
Discussions covered major thematic areas such as education, economic participation, health and psychosocial support, governance, and peacebuilding. Participants surfaced additional issues including civic disengagement, limited access to services, and the persistent effects of conflict in their communities. They also acknowledged the growing leadership and advocacy roles of youth, especially in climate action, gender equity, and local governance.
Using BYAS data as a foundation, the group refined regional and local targets that will feed directly into the BYDP. The approach promotes continuous validation and adaptation to ensure that youth development efforts remain grounded in the lived experiences of Bangsamoro youth.
The activity forms part of BYCโs broader consultative efforts to build a youth agenda that is inclusive, actionable, and forward-looking. Once finalized, the BYDP will serve as a roadmap for BARMM ministries, agencies, local government units, and partners in implementing meaningful, youth-centered programs.
This initiative reaffirms BYCโs commitment to empowering the youth sector and advancing their role in peacebuilding and regional development. (BYC PR Unit/SAMN)
