Cotabato City, BARMM — The Bangsamoro Research and Development Council (BRDC) convened its 4th meeting at the BPDA Conference Hall in Cotabato City on August 2, 2023.
The meeting aimed to strengthen research and development initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
During the meeting, key proposals and crucial topics were presented to advance scientific and technological progress in the Bangsamoro region. Among the significant items on the agenda were:
- Draft Resolution for the Creation of the Ligawasan Marsh Research and Development Center (LMRDC): This proposal sought to establish the LMRDC to focus on research and development projects related to Ligawasan Marsh, a critical ecosystem supporting the region’s ecology and livelihood.
- Draft Executive Order for the Establishment of the Ligawasan Marsh Research and Development Center (LMRDC): To formalize the LMRDC’s functions and operations, a draft executive order was under consideration.
- The Bill: An Act of Strengthening Research and Development in BARMM and Appropriating Funds Thereof: This important bill aimed to allocate resources to support various scientific and technological initiatives in the region.
- Draft Scoresheets for Selecting Academe, Industry, and CSO Representatives in the BRDC: The TWG discussed the process of selecting experts from academia, industry, and civil society organizations to ensure a diverse representation within the BRDC.
- Activity Proposal for the Enhancement of the Harmonized BARMM R&D Agenda (2025-2030): A forward-looking initiative, this proposal outlined plans to enhance the region’s research and development agenda for the period from 2025 to 2030.
- List of Members of the BRDC and BRDC-TWG, and BRDC Logo: Administrative matters, including the official roster of BRDC members and TWG personnel, were addressed, along with the unveiling of the BRDC logo.
- Discussion of other related issues and concerns: Participants had the opportunity to address additional matters, fostering a holistic approach to research and development within the BARMM.
The event was organized by the Bangsamoro Science and Technology Ministry and led by Minister Engr. Aida Silongan, Bangsamoro Director-General Engr. Abdulrakman Asim, and RDS Director Nasrodin A. Buisan. Representatives from various ministries and offices attended, demonstrating their collective commitment to advancing the region’s progress through science and technology.
The BRDC serves as a central coordinating body for scientific and technological research across different ministries, agencies, and offices in the BARMM. Collaboration with regional science and technology-oriented organizations, including research institutions and academia, contributes to enhancing the region’s competitiveness and fostering innovation.
This gathering was an essential step towards operationalizing BARMM’s Executive Order No. 04, 2021, which laid the foundation for the creation of the Bangsamoro Research and Development Council. The council seeks to integrate all scientific and technological efforts under the Bangsamoro Government’s purview, aiming to achieve remarkable regional progress and sustainable development.
#MOSTUpdates2023
[Information and Communication]