BARMM launches social protection plan to benefit over 4 million people in the Bangsamoro Region

Cotabato City, 21 February 2025 – The Bangsamoro Government, with support from the Australian Government and UNICEF, has launched the Bangsamoro Social Protection Plan 2024-2028 to help struggling families, especially children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. 

The plan aims to reduce poverty and improve access to basic social services such as financial assistance, healthcare, and livelihood programmes. In 2021, 44 per cent of children in Bangsamoro lived in poverty, highlighting the urgent need for stronger social protection.

This plan will make cash assistance programmes more efficient by using digital payments, expand social insurance coverage to include informal workers, and provide financial support to families affected by unexpected crises like medical emergencies and natural disasters. The Bangsamoro will also work with local government units to ensure the plan is effectively implemented across the region.

During the launch, the Bangsamoro Government’s Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, Al Haj, emphasized the plan’s importance in uplifting Bangsamoro communities: “This plan is a testament to our shared commitment to ensuring no one is left behind. By strengthening policies and programmes that protect individuals and families from poverty and inequality, we can build a more resilient and empowered society.” 

Social Services and Development Minister Raissa H. Jajurie highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the plan. “The plan has been meticulously crafted through the collective efforts of our regional ministries, offices, agencies, provincial local government units, civil society organizations, development partners, UNICEF and with the funding support from the Australian government. The Plan integrates the voices of our constituents from all corners of the region, ensuring that it is both grounded in the realities of our people and aligned with their aspirations.”

The Australian Government and UNICEF played key roles in supporting the plan’s development. 

“The comprehensiveness of the plan and the extensive consultations behind it show the power of a locally led partnership – one built on collaboration, active listening, and solutions tailored to the communities’ unique needs,” said the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu PSM, FCPA (Aust). 

UNICEF Philippines Acting Representative Behzad Noubary emphasized the plan’s role in protecting children from poverty, malnutrition and lack of education. “Children and their families have the right to be protected from poverty and its consequences throughout their life. Through this initiative, the Bangsamoro Government is taking a significant step toward ensuring that vulnerable families receive the support they need to build a better future.”