On its recent participation to the Bangsamoro Business and Investment Climate Workshops on November 26-28, 2013 at Davao City, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) takes up challenge by the private sector towards a clean Bangsamoro fiscal autonomy.

In his closing message during the activity, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan said that the discussions and outputs drawn from the workshop are very enriching and are for BDA to take up as motivation and challenge.

“I would like to inform our friends in the private sector that we are taking the challenge from your statement that we in the Bangsamoro have the unique opportunity of starting on a clean slate come to me personally as a challenge. We are determined to prove that if others can, the Bangsamoro can,” said Dr. Dipatuan.

The Chairman overwhelmed by the increasing support from the private sector, expressed appreciation to the attending individuals. He related the exposure of BDA for the last five years which accordingly is limited to public, making mention the assistance from various development partners such as the World Bank for the Mindanao Trust Fund Program and Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) for the Community Development for Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (CD-CAAM) Program.

Recognizing the significance of the workshop to the Bangsamoro, Dr. Dipatuan shared about the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) and how the workshop outputs are useful in the formulation of the Plan.

In expressing commitment out of the workshop, the Chairman said that BDA will inform its principal of the output of the activity and of what the private sector is working in anticipation for the transition in the Bangsamoro.

Further, Dr. Dipatuan reiterated to participants key messages of the Chairman Mohagher Iqhbal of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which are (1) the need for revenue generation thru the involvement of private sector; (2) the need for job creation and improvement of livelihoods of millions; and (3) the need for ensuring environmental sustainability in development and investment.

On a concern if whether or not the BDA is prepared for the to-be established Bangsamoro, the Chairman provided updates on what BDA has been doing. “BDA has been doing its best for the past ten years or so to develop our capabilities in preparation for good and effective governance once a final agreement is reached between the MILF and the Philippine government,” said Dr. Dipatuan.

He informed of the scholarship program offered by Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and of the other countries like Malaysia and Japan where Bangsamoro youth and professionals are sent abroad for schooling, trainings and seminars.

The BDA Chairman likewise informed the group about the recent scholarship program offered by the Turkish government for the Bangsamoro where BDA provides assistance to in the screening process.

In concluding his message, Dr. Dipatuan gives recommendation to the group on who is to tap for carrying the tasks of a business for the Bangsamoro ensuring success and security. He made mention of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a strong group who has the ability to do the said tasks and the role shaping of a strong, stable and prosperous Bangsamoro.

This workshop participated by various individuals from the private sector, aims to highlight critical and strategic issues that need to be addressed related to Business and Investment Climate in the Bangsamoro. It is organized by the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) and the Philippine Center for Islam Democracy (PCID) and funded by the AusAID.

It was Dr. Dipatuan together with Engr. Windel Diangcalan, Programs Division Head who participated the said training representing the BDA.

BDA Chairman Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan in his closing remarks during the Business and Investment Climate Workshop on Nov. 26-28, 2013 in Davao City.

Attending the workshop on Business and Investment Climate for the Bangsamoro are coming from business and academic communities.

Seen during the Business and Investment Climate Workshop are decision-makers and officials from the Bangsamoro.