PRLS participated in the Orientation/Workshop on Information System Strategic Planning for BTA Heads of Organic Offices, which took place on June 7, 2023, at Kutawato Hall, Em Manor Hotel in Cotabato City. The Management Information System Division of the BTA Parliament organized this event, demonstrating their dedication to improving information systems within the Bangsamoro. The activity aims to provide participants with an overview of the techniques and frameworks used to develop a solid Information Systems Strategic Plan.
PRLS actively participated in the REAP Forum and UP-BARMM Institute Consultation held on June 1, 2023, at the Al Nor Hotel and Convention Center, Cotabato City.
The University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Mindanao Foundation Inc. (UPMFI), hosted a forum entitled “Reinforcing Engagement with Academe through Partnerships: Livelihood Improvement through Facilitated Extension (LIFE) in BARMM” with stakeholders in the Bangsamoro region.
Each session held discussions with stakeholders to bolster sustainability plans for the current UPMFI project and solicit inputs that are crucial to the development of the future UP-BARMM Institute. The forum seeks to continue efforts and build on the stated priorities of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of the Philippines and the Bangsamoro Government to support the transition period in the region.
The Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Atty. Hisham Nazz A. Biruar, CPA, Chief of Legislative Measures and Legal Services Division (LMLAD), for successfully completing the Public Procurement Specialist Certification Course Level II (Intermediate). The course, organized by the Government Procurement Policy Board through its Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO) in collaboration with Central Luzon State University, was held online from October 18-21, 25-28, and November 8-11, 2022, with the examination taking place online on December 5, 2022.
The program challenged participants to acquire comprehensive knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior necessary for effective public procurement. As mandated by Section 16 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA No. 9184, commonly known as the Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA), agency heads are required to ensure that procurement personnel members receive appropriate training or capacity development. The Public Procurement Specialist Certification Course caters to various professionals involved in public procurement, including Supply Officers, Procurement Officers, Administrative Officers, Budget Officers, Accounting Officers, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Members, BAC Secretariats, Procurement Technical Working Groups (TWG), Project Managers/Supervisors/Implementors, and Private Bidders.
By successfully completing this rigorous program, Atty. Biruar has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to enhancing his expertise in the field of public procurement. His accomplishment reflected his dedication to staying updated with the latest practices and regulations governing procurement processes.
In addition to this remarkable achievement, Atty. Biruar has been elected as the Vice-President of the Legal Liaison Network (LLN) in accordance with Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 13, also known as the Bangsamoro Administrative Code. As stated in Section 18, Title II, Book IV of the law, the LLN comprises legal officers from the Bangsamoro Attorney-General’s Office and various ministries, agencies, officers, or instrumentalities within the Bangsamoro Government. They shall cooperate and coordinate on legal, policy, and legislative matters. The election took place on May 29, 2023, at Pagana Hall in Cotabato City, under the supervision of MP Atty. Sha-Elaija B. Dumama-Alba, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Floor Leader.
Undoubtedly, Atty. Biruar’s election as Vice-President of the LLN is a testament to his expertise, dedication, and valuable contributions to the legal field in the Bangsamoro region.
Once again, the PRLS commends Atty. Biruar for these recent outstanding achievements and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors. His commitment to professional development and his new role within the LLN will certainly contribute to the advancement of legal, policy, and legislative matters in the Bangsamoro Government.
Emanating from the memorandum order no. 0323-030 series of 2023 issued by the Office of the Parliament Speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) designating Policy Research and Legal Services to facilitate the creation and development of the “Humanitarian Handbook for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentarians” and in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a roundtable discussion (RTD) was held at Royal Hall, Pagana Kutawato, Cotabato City, last May 17, 2023, Wednesday.
The RTD aimed to consult your different offices to develop the completion of the Bangsamoro humanitarian handbook with the following contents: (1) Overview of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and related laws; (1.1) IHL general overview; (1.2) distinctions between IHL and International Human Rights Law; (1.3) IHL in the Philippines; (1.4) International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the Philippines; (1.5) IHL and Islamic Law; (2.) Role of the BARMM Parliament on IHL; (2.1) enacting legislation on conflict and IHL-related themes; (2.2) possible participation in the IHL ad hoc committee; (3) Key humanitarian issues in the BARMM such as urban warfare, sexual and gender-based violence, women protection, children protection, missing and dignified management of dead, IDPs, refugees, health care, humanitarian access, terrorism and counterterrorism, PWDs, cultural properties, paramilitary groups and private armies, data protection in humanitarian activities, victim compensation, and environmental protection; and (4) References and model laws in the Philippines.
The Legislative Measures and Legal Assistance Division (LMLAD) of the Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS), through its Chief Atty. Hisham Nazz A. Biruar, CPA, presented on Monday, 22 May 2023, the overall statistics of the position papers coming from various stakeholders concerning the proposed Parliament Bill No. 30 or the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code (BLGC).
Throughout the course of public consultations for the proposed Bill, which began in December of 2022, forty-nine (49) position papers and 450 comments and recommendations were received from various stakeholders across the Bangsamoro region.
According to Atty. Biruar, the positions, comments and recommendations from the stakeholders are an integral part of legislation that demands the inclusion of public scrutiny to ensure their meaningful participation. Atty. Biruar hopes that the statistics will provide the Members of the Parliament a clearer grasp of the public stance on the proposed Bill and aid them in its enactment.
The presentation was done upon the request of the Committee on Local Government during the first deliberations of the proposed BLGC held at the BTA Session Hall, Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center.
PRLS participated in an insightful orientation workshop on the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) , which was organized in collaboration with CSC BARMM. The event took place at D&M Catering Services in Cotabato City from May 10 to 12, 2023
This three-day workshop, led by Director Dominador E. Gonzales Jr., covered a broad spectrum of topics. The sessions included an Introduction to Performance Management, the PRIME-HRM Performance Management Pillars, and the SPMS Cycle. Mr. Mujahideen U. Lauban gave a comprehensive presentation on SPMS Policy Creation, SPMS Forms, and SPMS Ratings on the second day. Julius Kristian C. Villa provided significant insights through a critique of SPMS Outputs on the third day.
We are grateful for the opportunity to increase our understanding of strategic performance management. This workshop has enabled our team to improve organizational performance and implement the SPMS framework effectively.
On behalf of The Policy Research and Legal Services, we extend our warmest greetings to all who observe the holy month of Ramadan.
This month is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and acts of kindness and generosity towards others. As an organization dedicated to promoting justice, human rights, and good governance, we recognize the importance of Ramadan as a time to deepen our commitment to these values.
As the Quran states, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Quran 2:183)
May this month be a time for all of us to reflect on our actions, seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, and strive towards righteousness and compassion for all.
PRLS actively participated in the “Orientation on the Documentary Requirements for Government Financial Transaction and Operations” held at D & M Function Hall in Cotabato City on March 16, 2023. The event was conducted by the BTA Finance Service to ensure compliance of various BTA parliament organic offices with the necessary requirements.
The attendees gained valuable insights from two esteemed speakers, Ms. Norhaya Abdul, Director II of BTA Finance Services, shared her knowledge on Financial Transactions and Operations, Update Rates of Expenses, and the Process Flow of Financial Transactions. She highlighted the importance of proper documentation in financial transactions and explained how these processes can be streamlined to improve efficiency. Ms. Jehan Mitmug, Chief of Planning Division, shared insights on Government Procurement Processes, including the policies and regulations that govern government procurement, the bidding process, and the evaluation of bids. She also provided tips on how to ensure transparency and accountability in procurement processes.
The event was a great success in enhancing familiarity with the necessary documentation requirements for government financial transactions and operations. The attendees, including PRLS, left the event feeling more informed and confident in their ability to comply with the necessary requirements.
PRLS recognizes the importance of staying up-to-date with government regulations and requirements, especially in relation to financial transactions and operations. PRLS is committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and compliance. PRLS is proud to have participated in this event and looks forward to future opportunities to enhance our knowledge and expertise in financial services.
On March 15, 2023, PRLS actively participated in the “Mental Health and Psychological Support Services (MHPSS) Awareness Session” held at Pavilion Hall, Pagana Kutawato, Cotabato City. The event was specifically organized to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and psychological support services (MHPSS) for the employees of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
Resource Speaker Ms. Sarah Jane De Ocampo, MAPD, an expert in mental health and psychological support services, served as the resource person for the session. During the session, Ms. De Ocampo covered various topics related to mental health, including the Basic Concept of Mental Support, the impact of disasters and emergencies on mental health and well-being, Psychological First Aid (PFA), and Understanding of Stress; Different aspects of stress and its signs.
Mental health is a crucial component of overall health and well-being, and it impacts our emotional, psychological, and social aspects of life. By raising awareness about mental health and providing valuable insights and tools to manage mental health and well-being, the event aimed to promote a healthy and productive work environment for BTA employees.
Overall, the event was successful in achieving its goals and providing employees with the necessary resources to improve their mental health and well-being.
PRLS (Policy Research and Legal Services) 