BARMM social services ministry assesses impact of aid programs in remote Tawi-Tawi towns

COTABATO CITY – In an effort to ensure equitable delivery of public services across the Bangsamoro region, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has conducted an assessment of its aid programs in Tawi-Tawi, one of the most remote island provinces under its jurisdiction.

The week-long activity, held in the municipalities of Bongao and Panglima Sugala, aimed to assess how communities—particularly the elderly and persons with disabilities—are benefitting from the ministry’s flagship social protection programs.

Survey: Crucial Component for Inclusive and Decentralized Governance

BARMM officials announced the initiative on Friday, April 18, describing it as a crucial component of the regional government’s push for inclusive and decentralized governance under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

“This is our way of documenting best practices and listening to the lived experiences of those we serve,” said Moctar Abubakar, head of the MSSD regional monitoring team. “We want to ensure that our programs are not only implemented, but that they truly make a difference—especially in far-flung areas like Tawi-Tawi.”

The survey was led by the Evaluation and Monitoring Section of the MSSD’s Planning and Development Division, based in the regional center in Cotabato City. It involved field interviews and household visits, focusing on how aid programs have affected vulnerable populations on the ground.

Core Programs

Among the core programs reviewed during the visit were the Kalinga Para sa May Kapansanan and Kupkop Programs, which provide medical and financial assistance to persons with disabilities and chronically ill individuals. The team also gathered insights on the Unlad Pamilyang Bangsamoro Program, a livelihood support initiative for impoverished families, and the Lingkod Pamayanan para sa Kapayapaan Program, which aims to promote peace and development through grassroots humanitarian assistance.

Additionally, the ministry’s Early Childhood Care and Development Program was assessed for its reach and effectiveness in supporting young children in isolated island barangays.

Since its formal establishment in 2019 following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, BARMM has sought to build a responsive, accountable, and people-centered governance structure. The MSSD’s work in Tawi-Tawi reflects the regional government’s commitment to bridging service gaps in areas historically underserved by centralized administrations.

“Our random spot-check monitoring is part of a larger accountability mechanism,” Abubakar said, noting that results from the field will be submitted to Bangsamoro Social Services Minister Raissa Jajurie and made available for public dissemination.

Officials said a post-activity report will be released by the MSSD’s information office, offering insights not only for policymakers but also for civil society partners working to uplift the Bangsamoro’s most vulnerable sectors.

About The Author

John Unson

John Unson is a veteran Filipino journalist who serves as a staff writer for the regions “Central Mindanao and BARMM” at The Philippine Star. He covers news and events in Mindanao — especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the broader Central Mindanao area. His reporting spans a wide range of topics including security incidents, terrorist-related developments, drug enforcement, smuggling operations, social issues, and regional politics.

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