“After almost 13 years, the agency has finally established its headquarters with an aim to be a prime Bangsamoro institution that shall serve as catalyst on humanitarian, reconstruction and development in transition period and beyond” stressed Mohammad S. Yacob, Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) during the first general staff meeting conducted on February 1, 2015 at BDA’s training center. He welcomes partners to its new office located at Talainged Village, Brgy. Datu Balabaran, Cotabato City.

Yacob shared contentment that finally BDA is home to its own office which accordingly is dream come true for the agency.

“This new office is a manifestation of unity among us at BDA. It is the result of the solidarity that is built within the agency for over the decade. This is a great achievement for all of us,” Director Yacob said.

Yacob described this achievement is by through a Maguindanao saying which goes like this: “It is better to have had a mere stone, rather than owning a stone with pure gold but owned by somebody else”.

BDA is glad that finally it has its own permanent workplace where it can maximize its operation and can decide for full function of available facilities.

For year, BDA has been renting spaces for its workplace which is somewhat challenging to the agency as it cannot maximize the use of the rented place.

Simple kanduli

In giving thanks to for this great achievement, a simple kanduli (celebration) is held through lunch-together by all staff of BDA Central Management Office (CMO).

This small gathering also served as travel-bringing-gifts of Director Yacob from a 2-week trip to Malaysia for an engagement with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Committee.

Grief in loss of one BDA pioneer

During the meeting, BDA staff recalled the recent loss of one of its pioneering member Al-Mansor Taug, member of the BDA Board of Directors.

Taug died on January 31, 2015 of cardiac arrest.

Mr. Taug is a Sha’riah practitioner and a former clerk of court. He obtained his Bachelor of Law at the Notre Dame University (NDU). He was appointed in 2011 representing Zamboanga Peninsula Region.

Moving forward

With the recent gains and loss, BDA is moving forward and determined to strengthen operation as the new office plus the training centre will help it attain the agency’s vision and mission.

According to Director Yacob, the two are considered home for development engagements and towards the honorable peace for Bangsamoro.