MANILA – The National Youth Commission (NYC), as the voice and advocate of the Youth, strongly supports the soon to be signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) alongside its nascent promise to end the decades-long hostilities and violence in Mindanao.
“The Commission trusts that this agreement will bring about substantial growth and improvement in the South, most especially in areas of education, health and youth development in general,” says Asec. Earl Saavedra, NYC Commissioner Representing Mindanao. “The NYC aims, hopefully with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, to conduct series of advocacy drives and consultations in strategic areas in Mindanao to educate the youth on the Bangsamoro framework,” Asec. Saavedra adds.
The CAB will pave the way for stronger political and fiscal autonomy in Muslim Mindanao through the establishment of the Bangsamoro that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Among its distinct features are the creation of a ministerial form of government, an enhanced revenue generation and wealth sharing scheme, further devolution of Central government power and the decommissioning of MILF firearms and combatants in the region.
“The signing of the CAB demonstrates the government and the MILF’s sincerity and commitment to achieve just and lasting peace that will not only benefit Mindanao, but the entire Philippines,” says Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles. “We have arrived at an era of shared prosperity and security that will go beyond the borders of Bangsamoro. All sectors, including the youth, will enjoy the benefits of good governance, social equity and, most of all, the rule of law in a society of cultural and religious diversity.”
Further, the NYC plans to spearhead the development and expansion of the Regional Youth Situation Study for the ARMM to complement the collaborative efforts to craft the Youth Component of the Bangsamoro Development Plan.
In a resolution adopted by the National Youth Commission En Banc, this promise-filled agreement is highly regarded as a milestone for the youth and with that, the unequivocal support of NYC shall be translated into relevant programs, projects and activities within the scope of the Philippine Youth Development Plan and the Mindanao Youth Agenda to ensure its rightful contribution in the operationalization of the Comprehensive Agreement.
“Underpinning these initiatives is our unwavering commitment to enable the youth to fulfill their vital role in nation building, as the youth is equally essential and must be at the frontline in institutionalizing the targets and deliverables on the creation of the Bangsamoro identity,” Asec. Saavedra reiterates.
Deles lauds the efforts of NYC in promoting youth participation in the peace process. “It is our common dream to someday give rise to a generation that has never known war and that will not ever experience discrimination, injustice, and harm from their fellow human beings. It is our common dream that the youth of today and the generations after them will have peace as their lifeways and passion, and will know how to make use of their gifts and talents to bring about a just and humane society.”
The CAB will also respond to the key Mindanao Youth Agenda target on maximizing the involvement of the youth in all development processes not only in the region but in their respective localities.
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