May 15, 2024
Guidelines for the Certification Process for Traditional Leaders Organizations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
The Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage(BCPCH) is the primary institution mandated to write the history of the Bangsamoro people, and to establish and sustain the cultural institutions, programs, and projects for the Bangsamoro development. This initiative aligns with the Commission’s effort to promote, preserve, and conserve Bangsamoro’s historical and cultural heritage.
Pursuant to Section 7(c), Article VII of Republic Act No. 11054 and Section 15, Article IV-C of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 35, or the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, which provides for the reserved seats and sectoral representatives, shall constitute at least ten percent (10%) of the members of the Parliament.
It shall include two (2) reserved seats each for non-Moro indigenous peoples and settler communities. Women, Youth, Traditional Leaders, and the Ulama shall have one sectoral seat each: Provided, that the reserved seats and sectoral representatives shall in no case be less than eight (8) seats.
Also, as provided under Section 18, Article IV of BAA No. 35 on the registration requirement for sectoral organizations or political parties fielding candidates for sectoral representation elections. It states that sectoral organizations duly registered with the COMELEC through the BRAC may participate in the sectoral representative elections: Provided, that the sectoral organizations of traditional leaders shall be certified by the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage.
The Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH), as the office responsible for certifying traditional leaders’ sectoral organizations, releases the final Guidelines for the Certification Process for Traditional Leaders Organizations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) upon the endorsement by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Office of the Floor Leader. This important development marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to recognize and formalize the roles of traditional leaders within our community. These guidelines have been officially approved and adopted by the Commission En Banc through Resolution No. 008, Series of 2024 entitled “Adopting the Guidelines on the Certification Process for Traditional Leaders Organizations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).”
The Certification will provide an opportunity for the Traditional Leaders to take part in the election of the Traditional Leaders’ sectoral representative in the Bangsamoro Parliament. Further, the participation of the Traditional Leaders Organizations contributes to the establishment of stable and inclusive leadership and governance essential for sustainable peace and development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Traditional leaders’ organizations that intend to obtain certification from the Commission must adhere to the requirements outlined in the Guidelines.
For further information, please visit the link: https://bcpch.bangsamoro.gov.ph/traditional-leaders-organization-certification/