Since the region’s founding in 2019, the Ministry of Social Services and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) has distributed more than PHP19.2 billion in social aid, actively supporting the region’s most vulnerable groups and communities.
MSSD-BARMM Minister Raissa Jajurie presented the comprehensive 2020-2025 report to stakeholders and partners at the KCC Mall of Cotabato Convention Center on Monday.
Jajurie, a lawyer, also presented a detailed financial statement of her office, which she has received and disbursed in the service of the BARMM people.
“All services, not just social services, that are essential and common to every Bangsamoro,” she said in a news release on Tuesday.
During the period, she noted that MSSD received a total allocation of PHP19,228,552,204.59 for social welfare services, drawn from the General Appropriations Act for the Bangsamoro (GAAB) and the Special Development Fund (SDF).
The MSSD achieved key milestones, starting with livelihood and family support, by helping 33,427 families through the Unlad Pamilyang Bangsamoro and aiding 50,428 beneficiaries through the Bangsamoro Sagip Kabuhayan. They also supported 3,800 Badjao families through the Layag Badjau and assisted 5,428 solo parents through the Dakilang Bangsamoro.
In education and emergency response, MSSD supported 138,505 students through the Angat Bangsamoro, assisted 111,402 indigents via BCARES (Bangsamoro Critical Assistance in Response to Emergency Situations), and provided emergency shelter assistance to 6,770 families and the Pabahay Project to 274 families. Additionally, 19,032 people received humanitarian aid.
For vulnerable sectors and specialized services, the agency also extended support to 49,137 persons with disabilities under the Kalinga para sa May Kapansanan Program and 6,147 senior citizens under the Hadiya Program, supplying 4,810 assistive devices, among others.
Jajurie noted that persistent challenges in the on-the-ground implementation mean significant work remains.
“We cannot do this alone. The problem is multi-faceted and requires a holistic approach involving every ministry, office, and agency in the BARMM, as well as external stakeholders,” she said.
Determined to improve Bangsamoro lives, the MSSD has outlined priorities focused on modernization and growth.
She said geographically, MSSD would focus on expanding social welfare interventions to reach all communities, particularly ensuring a smooth transition in the province of Sulu.
To improve authority, the ministry will also expand the oversight council to enhance the monitoring of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and other social protection measures across BARMM.
Operationally, she said, MSSD would expand its digital payment system across the region, reinforced by a robust Information Management System for more efficient service delivery. (PNA)
