Starting the year right, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) held a general staff meeting on January 4, 2015 at BDA Central Management Office in Cotabato City.

In the meeting, five BDA staff who successfully completed their short-term courses in Turkey and Japan were welcomed.

Zaida Dimacisil who is among those coming from one-month training in Turkey shared their experiences and gave brief introduction of Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH), the Turkey-based humanitarian relied foundation that supported their study abroad.

Dimacisil related the activities they went through during the training that included office works, database management, orphanage visits, meeting with government officials, and among others.

Engr. Windel Diangcalan, BDA Program Head presented the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP). This is part of the planned BDP internal roll out that kicked off here in the central management office. Next stop will be at the seven (7) BDA regional management offices that will be synch with the conduct of BDP roadshow in the communication perspective.

His presentation gave emphasis on BDP both as comprehensive and peacebuilding plan and also highlighted flagship list that is a reference in coming with quick gains projects.

Other highlight of the meeting is the presentation on BDA Communication Plan. This was about the strategies formulated thus far by the BDA Communication Group in strengthening the communication and information of the BDA.

In the presentation, plans on standardization of BDA information materials, formulating internal communication mechanism, production of information campaign materials in multi-media type, social marketing and engagements to media was discussed.

Among the priority communication activities presented included writing and production of BDA Annual Report, BDA Newsletter, standardization of BDA staff email addresses, and enhancement of BDA website.

Julie Maliga, Head of BDA Admin Unit facilitated this staff meeting. She informed the staff that by February this year, the BDA central management office will move to its new office in Barangay Tamontaka, Cotabato City.

In his closing message, Mohammad S. Yacob, BDA Executive Director congratulated every one of the positive atmosphere around. He encouraged everyone of forgiveness and stay closer in facing the new opportunities this year.

He shared his hope of closer collaboration between and among the BDA family for more success and prosperity.

Director Yacob announced the upcoming partnership with Turkey’s IHH to pilot test orphanage management in Cotabato City.