A FORUM on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is set on Monday, June 18, at the Notre Dame University gym in Cotabato City. The discussion, focusing on the prospects of inclusive and lasting peace, is organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, together with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Peace Implementing Panel, and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. During Saturday’s Eid’l Fitr celebration in Davao City, an official of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) stressed that transforming the Bangsamoro areas will help realize Mindanao’s overall growth potential. Assistant Secretary Romeo M. Montenegro, MinDA deputy executive director, said, “The problems we deal with today in the Bangsamoro areas are a microcosm of Mindanao’s vulnerabilities. If the country’s march to accelerated and inclusive progress will go the route of Mindanao-then we all know where the starting point is to its goal.” Mr. Montenegro also noted the ironies that beset Bangsamoro areas, which are the “land of poverty, in a land of plenty… the region produces a great deal of marine and agricultural produce and holds vast potential for mineral and agri-development.”— Maya M. Padillo

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