Category: News and Events

The PRLS Director – Doc Nassef M. Adiong, represented the Speaker of the Parliament at the UP – Bangsamoro Development Program Summit Consultation. This event took place last September 13, 2023 | Safar 28, 1445 AH, at the Dusit Thani Residence Davao. This significant event, organized by the University of the Philippines, brought together various stakeholders to address pressing issues in Bangsamoro and Mindanao.

The summit covered a wide range of topics, including Agriculture and Fisheries, Education, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, Human Settlements and Development, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Labor and Employment, Science and Technology, Social Services and Development, and Trade, Investment, and Tourism. The comprehensive discussions aimed to foster collaboration and formulate effective strategies to promote growth and development in these key sectors.

The active participation in the UP – Bangsamoro Development Program Summit Consultation represents the dedication to making substantial contributions aimed at resolving challenges, assisting stakeholders in navigating detailed legal and policy landscapes,  promoting sustainable development in the Bangsamoro and Mindanao regions, ultimately fostering a brighter future for everyone involved.

Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS) held a special event on September 2, 2023 (Safar 17, 1445 AH) that combined elegance with cultural significance. The day started with a photoshoot featuring two unique attires: the formal ensemble, elegantly showcasing the PRLS Blazer, and the traditional Bangsamoro attire, followed by a General Assembly and Grand Dinner held at the Diners on Street, Datu Odin Sinsuat.

The General Assembly and Grand Dinner commenced with opening remarks delivered by PRLS Director, Dr. Nassef Adiong. Dr. Nassef Adiong, along with LRD Chief Vincent Casil and LMLAD Chief Atty. Hisham Nazz Biruar, presented the organization’s achievements and future engagements, underscoring PRLS’s commitment to excellence. The evening also featured fun games and an awards ceremony, adding to the enjoyment and camaraderie. This event showcased PRLS’s professionalism and its appreciation for Bangsamoro culture.

The PRLS General Assembly and Grand Dinner 2023 was a remarkable evening that summarized the organization’s core values of professionalism, cultural appreciation, and commitment to excellence. With a delightful blend of tradition and modernity, this event celebrated not only PRLS’s achievements but also its vision for a future marked by impactful engagements.

PRLS actively participated in the Support to Operations Mock Budget Hearing organized by the Office of the Secretary-General. The event took place on July 4-5, 2023, at Farm Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

The Mock Budget Hearing aims to provide a conducive environment for refining and strengthening proposed budgets. Through active engagement and valuable input, participating offices, including PRLS, can contribute to enhancing the quality and alignment of the budget proposals with their respective objectives.

The PRLS provided assistance to the Blue Ribbon Committee of the Bangsamoro Parliament in Promoting Moral Governance and Accountability on 5 July 2023, in Davao City. The goal was to facilitate a roundtable discussion that would strengthen the committee’s mandate of promoting moral governance and ensuring accountability within the Bangsamoro government. Vincent Casil, division chief of BTA’s PRLS-Legislative Research Division, discussed how the petition mechanism could be incorporated into the committee’s function.

According to Casil, this will result in an overall improvement in government services by empowering citizens and making them feel like active contributors. The Blue Ribbon Committee has jurisdiction over all matters, including the investigation of malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance in office by Bangsamoro Government officers and employees.

PRLS actively participated in the REAP Forum and UP-BARMM Institute Consultation held on June 1, 2023, at the Al Nor Hotel and Convention Center, Cotabato City.

The University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Mindanao Foundation Inc. (UPMFI), hosted a forum entitled “Reinforcing Engagement with Academe through Partnerships: Livelihood Improvement through Facilitated Extension (LIFE) in BARMM” with stakeholders in the Bangsamoro region.

Each session held discussions with stakeholders to bolster sustainability plans for the current UPMFI project and solicit inputs that are crucial to the development of the future UP-BARMM Institute. The forum seeks to continue efforts and build on the stated priorities of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of the Philippines and the Bangsamoro Government to support the transition period in the region.