The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was established through Republic Act 11054 also known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). It was signed into law on July 26, 2018 and was ratified on January 25, 2019. The ratification of the BOL was the latest and most significant move of the Duterte administration to attain peace in Mindanao and to end the long-time struggle of the Bangsamoro for self-determination. The BOL was enacted to establish a new autonomous political entity in the region – the Bangsamoro Government which commits to bring peace by addressing grievances, sentiments, and demands of its constituents.
The Bangsamoro region has been exposed to multiple challenges such as armed conflict, weather disturbances, health-related shocks, and other events that affect the lives of the Bangsamoro, especially those who are vulnerable.
Putting the aforesaid into consideration, the Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim has initiated the creation and conduct of Project TABANG or Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan. Project TABANG is a humanitarian project purposively created to alleviate the situation of Bangsamoro communities. It is also a manifestation of the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to fulfill its pledge to help the people in the grassroots and bring the government closer to the people. Specifically, the project aims to extend immediate direct services to the Bangsamoro who are in need, particularly those who are living in poverty and affected by calamities and conflicts.
The Project TABANG was launched on September 2, 2019 at the Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City. It was led by the Interim Chief Minister, Ahod Balawag Ebrahim. The conduct of the project brought different ministries, agencies, and offices of the Bangsamoro Government in convergence to give out free basic goods and services. It has already benefitted thousands of Bangsamoro in the areas of Maguindanao, Cotabato City, Marawi City, Tawi-Tawi, North Cotabato, and Sulu. The impact of the project has been evident as the people restored their trust and support to the government of the day.
With the notable successes of the conduct of Project TABANG and with the impact that it brings to the lives of the people, the Bangsamoro Government deemed it significant for the project to be regularized. In the furtherance of its conduct, the Project TABANG is intended to benefit the five (5) provinces of the Bangsamoro region which include: Maguindanao, Lanao, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi; as well as the new members of the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction: Cotabato City and 63 Barangays of North Cotabato.
The initiative of the Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and Bangsamoro Government to create Project TABANG is a realistic avenue to attain a major goal of the government of the day which is enshrined in (Sec. 7, Art. IV, BOL), to wit:
The Bangsamoro Government shall ensure every citizen in its territorial jurisdiction the provision of the basic necessities and equal opportunities in life. Social justice shall be promoted in all aspects of life and phases of development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
