Growing Cooperatives and Social Enterprises in BARMM

Building a Cooperative and Social Enterprise Economy in BARMM: Strategic Planning Workshop Led by Bayan Family of Foundations

The vibrant region of BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) took another significant step toward peace and prosperity with a strategic planning preparatory workshop hosted by the Bayan Family of Foundations and the Cooperative and Social Enterprise Development Authority-BARMM (CSEA-BARMM). Held on August 7-8, 2024, in Cotabato City, the two-day event brought together cooperative leaders and social enterprise advocates to discuss the future of sustainable development in BARMM.

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A Collaborative Effort for Peace and Livelihood

The workshop is part of the broader initiative, "Tatak SE for BARMM Peace and Prosperity," a partnership between Bayan Innovation Group and CSEA-BARMM, made possible through the support of The Sasakawa Peace Foundation. This initiative aims to position CSEA-BARMM as a regional model for the National Social Enterprise Development Roadmap, which promotes inclusive economic growth and sustainable employment for the Bangsamoro people.

The two-day workshop focused on aligning the perspectives of CSEA-BARMM’s leadership on the critical role that cooperatives and social enterprises play in sustainable development and social cohesion within BARMM. By fostering these models, the region can not only uplift its communities but also strengthen social bonds that are vital for lasting peace.

Crafting a Roadmap for the Future

During the workshop, the leadership team of CSEA-BARMM, led by Executive Director Samcia Ibrahim, along with key officers such as Hayat Pilas, Cooperative Development Division Chief; Lininding Pangandaman, Social Enterprise Division Chief; and Abdullah Dipatuan, Admin and Finance Chief, engaged in deep discussions on how best to support cooperatives and social enterprises as engines of growth for the region.

These discussions will lay the foundation for the strategic planning sessions that CSEA-BARMM will undertake in the coming months. The goal is to create a roadmap for 2025 and beyond, one that will further elevate the role of social enterprises and cooperatives in generating livelihood opportunities and promoting peace in BARMM.

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Empowering Leaders and Partners

The workshop was enriched by the presence of MP Jaafar ‘Jambo’ Matalam, along with his team members Kai Matalam and Janna Murray from the Office of MP Matalam, whose support was invaluable in advancing the discussions. Rashid Bangcolongan, Founder of RAISE Training Center Inc., also provided essential insights on how cooperatives and social enterprises can grow within the region's unique socio-political landscape.

The learning sessions were facilitated by prominent leaders from the Bayan Family of Foundations, including Prof. Carlo Sagun, Vice President of the Bayan Family of Foundations (BFF); Hubert Cortes, Executive Director of Bayan Innovation Group; and Reichelle Carlos, Director of Institutional Partnerships for BFF. Their guidance and expertise ensured that the workshop was not only productive but also aligned with the broader vision for sustainable development in BARMM.

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Looking Ahead

As BARMM continues its journey toward peace and prosperity, workshops like these demonstrate the power of collaboration in fostering meaningful change. By building a strong cooperative and social enterprise economy, the region is taking concrete steps to ensure that its people can enjoy lasting peace, inclusive growth, and sustainable livelihoods.

The future of BARMM is bright, and with the continued support of stakeholders like CSEA-BARMM, Bayan Family of Foundations, and their dedicated partners, the region is well on its way to achieving its vision of peace and prosperity.

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