Strengthening inclusive governance in BARMM through public infrastructure

The European Union (EU), Spain, the Bangsamoro Government and UNOPS, have formally inaugurated two key examples of public infrastructure development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Refurbishment works for key facilities within the Bangsamoro Parliament complex in Cotabato City have been completed, alongside the construction of the School of Living Tradition in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte under the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA).

The upgraded Parliament improves institutional working spaces and aims to support more responsive and people-centered governance by enhancing parliamentary operations. While the new construction in Upi will serve as a dedicated hub for learning, dialogue, training, and engagement with indigenous communities and regional institutions. 

“This public infrastructure support reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive governance, improve access to public institutions and services, and support culturally sensitive development” said Peter Browne, UNOPS Country Representative to the Philippines. “Designed and implemented by a majority of women engineers, these buildings have also provided opportunities to train hundreds of local workers with new skills aligned to world class standards” he added.

The school construction is a first of its kind octagonal structure, taking inspiration from local traditions, to create a unique example of architectural design in Bangsamoro.

The Parliament, the direct result of decades of peace negotiations, holds deep symbolic, cultural, and political weight, and its building, designed with accessibility and sustainability in mind, is a tangible monument to a hard-fought peace process.

These achievements have been possible thanks to the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, funded by the EU with additional support from AECID (the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation), and implemented by UNOPS, and follow recent announcements of award winning infrastructure completed as part of the same initiative.

The inauguration and handover activities reflect continuing support to the Bangsamoro transition and commitment to strengthening resilient institutions, inclusive governance, and meaningful community participation in support of the Bangsamoro peace and development agenda. (END)

Notes to the editors: 

Press contact details

Jose D. Santos III

UNOPS Communications Assistant

Email: josesa@unops.org

Yadhu Acharya

UNOPS Communications and Partnerships Officer for South East Asia and the Pacific.

Email: yadhua@unops.org

About UNOPS

UNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners, such as the European Union and its Member States, to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world. Read more: www.unops.org.

About SUBATRA

Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) is a five-year programme funded by the European Union, with co-funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), through an agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, with a value of EUR 26 million.

SUBATRA contributes to a smooth and timely undertaking of the transition through capacity building of the three branches of the Bangsamoro Government and civil society organizations. This will promote an enabling good governance environment and support the efficient implementation of policies set up by the transition plan, focusing on capacities critical for the sound functioning of interim institutions. 

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace (OPAPP) are part of the project as partner agencies. AECID, UNOPS, and Particip, support SUBATRA as implementing agencies.

More information at: subatra.org