Author: Nassef Manabilang Adiong

Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS) facilitated the “Refining and Finalizing the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Service Act (BPSA) Writeshop” held last Dhu Al-Hijjah 29 to 3 Muharram 1446, corresponding to June 25 to 29, 2025, at the Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City. The activity was conducted with the assistance of the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA), a program dedicated to enhancing institutional development during the transitional phase of the Bangsamoro Government. This multi-day event served as a critical venue for legislative actors and technical experts to gather and contribute to the finalization of the BPSA.

The writeshop aimed to refine and finalize the draft Bangsamoro Parliamentary Service Act by thoroughly reviewing its content, addressing technical gaps, and ensuring that its provisions are consistent with the core values of autonomy, accountability, and moral governance as mandated by the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Participating teams engaged in in-depth policy discussions, clause-by-clause analysis, and alignment of institutional structures to support the unique parliamentary system of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The deliberations also emphasized the importance of merit-based appointments, professional development, and ethical standards in the creation of the Bangsamoro parliamentary bureaucracy.

Policy Research and Legal Services acknowledges the crucial support provided by SUBATRA in enabling legislative offices to pursue meaningful and responsive public service reforms. The writeshop underscores PRLS’s continuing commitment to providing technical and legal assistance to the Bangsamoro Parliament, particularly in the crafting of priority codes and laws that uphold transparency, institutional integrity, and inclusive governance within the Bangsamoro region.

Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS) facilitated the “Training on Conversion of Research into Public and Legislation” held last Dhu Al-Hijjah 19–23, 1446 | June 15–19, 2025 at Go Hotel Davao City. The training was conducted by the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) and aimed to build the capacity of professionals in effectively translating research outputs into concrete legislative and policy instruments that support the region’s transition and development goals. The activity focused on strengthening the skills of those engaged in policy and legal work within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Throughout the five-day training, sessions covered key areas such as research utilization, legislative analysis, policy development frameworks, and strategies for advocacy. Emphasis was placed on aligning research with public needs and legislative priorities to ensure that data-driven evidence informs decision-making processes. Practical exercises, case studies, and structured group work helped deepen the understanding of the legislative process and improve the capacity to develop responsive and relevant policy proposals.

This initiative reflects the continued efforts of Policy Research and Legal Services to support knowledge-based governance through focused training and institutional development. By facilitating capacity-building activities like this, PRLS contributes to the creation of effective and evidence-informed public policies and legislation that serve the needs and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.