COTABATO CITY—Despite logging relatively lower numbers of pandemic cases last year, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)—which registered a 5.9-percent gross regional domestic product growth in 2019 and was enjoying steady economic gains before 2020—was still disproportionately impacted by the health crisis in terms of its socioeconomic development, as well as in aggravating existing and emerging vulnerabilities.
The recently released “Socioeconomic Impact Assessment of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019)” report was commissioned by the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), supported by the Embassy of Japan and undertaken by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines. It was launched through a forum in this city, in the presence of the BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, BARMM ministers, United Nations Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of local government units and civil society organizations.
The Bangsamoro is among the regions in the country that was able to manage and contain the spread of Covid-19. But while government measures deterred the virus from spreading, indirect impacts associated with restrictions in mobility have affected the lives and livelihoods of many—including the most vulnerable groups.
According to the report, around 53.5 percent of respondents interviewed indicated that their livelihoods or businesses were affected by the restrictions. The assessment further noted that the informal sector—many of whom are women—were among the hardest hit by the pandemic because of work stoppages. The findings also highlighted the impact of the pandemic in BARMM beyond income, such as on health, education, and food security.
“The crisis brought to fore the need for data and information that captures the real-life situations and underlying conditions of the people on the ground,” said Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, director general of BPDA, who highlighted the purpose of the report during the public dissemination forum. “In support of this goal of understanding the real-life situation in the region, the BPDA engaged the UNDP to conduct a region-wide socioeconomic impact assessment to help the BARMM government produce accurate and necessary projections that can be translated into strategic action plans [responsive] to the needs of the constituents, and eventually help them recover from the challenges brought by the pandemic.”
UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran also noted that, “It is important to identify and document the impact of the pandemic to those who are facing high levels of vulnerabilities. Likewise, it is [vital] to understand how the pandemic is affecting regions that have already elevated risks of conflict, instability, insecurity, violence and population displacement. It is within this framework that UNDP in collaboration with BPDA, conducted the assessment to generate insights that could inform the regional recovery planning.”
The BARMM government’s response during the Covid-19 crisis focused on improving social welfare and development, essential health services, economic recovery, infrastructure support and governance.
“The assessment is extremely helpful to make sure…we will truly surpass this phase and restore our public health and economy to normal,” said Ebrahim in his keynote message. “[Our] government is working tirelessly to make sure that no Bangsamoro is left behind. The launch is symbolic towards our joint efforts in revitalizing our economy and allowing its growth to trickle down to every…household.”
Aside from identifying hardest hit sectors in the region, the assessment also examined policy and program responses of the BARMM government to the crisis, then provided recommendations to support the government’s transition while pushing toward achieving an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.
Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa of Japan—a staunch supporter of the peace-building and development efforts in the said region—stated that “the assessment would be a big push to BARMM’s recovery efforts. Clearly, there is a need to recalibrate our strategies to rise over and above our current challenges.”
He added: “The fast way to go is to carefully identify the socioeconomic fallouts of Covid-19, and match them with policy recommendations, which are evidence-based and pragmatic. This report sheds light on the real plight of the locals, which might have been otherwise overlooked by our existing efforts.”
During the public dissemination forum, the presentation of the findings was followed by a panel discussion among key stakeholders, moderated by Atty. Ishak Mastura, chairman of the BARMM Regional Board of Investments.
Panelists included Atty. Laisa Alamia, member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA); Atty. Raissa Jajurie, minister of Social Services and Development and member of the BTA; Dr. Bashary Latiph, minister of health; Dr. Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong, chairperson of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission and BTA member; Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines; Andrew Morris, UNICEF Field Office head-Cotabato; and Guiamel Alim, chair of the Bangsamoro Civil Society.
Among key insights for BARMM recovery highlighted in the discussions were the strengthening of health systems and the deployment of a comprehensive and coordinated regional vaccination program, establishment of inclusive social-protection systems, integration of green-recovery approaches in Covid-19 economic recovery packages, scaling up of the regional capacity for digital transformation, as well as broadening and diversifying sources of economic growth.