GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 27 December) – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is crafting a Magna Carta for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to enhance the protection of their rights and welfare. The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), led by Minister Raissa Jajurie, is spearheading the initiative as part of the region’s push for inclusive governance.
Jajurie, also a Deputy Floor Leader of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, stated that the Government of the Day—led by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)—aims to institutionalize disability-inclusive policies. She emphasized the administration’s duty to mainstream PWD rights into government programs and budgets.
The proposed regional law will complement the national Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (Republic Act 7277). Mohammad Muktadir Estrella, MSSD director general, highlighted ongoing consultations to ensure inclusivity in public services, including the adoption of sign language to eliminate communication barriers.
Jaymar C. Sali, regional focal person for PWD welfare, noted that the Bangsamoro Committee on Disability Affairs (BCDA) recently underwent training to standardize their approach to disability issues. The BCDA, composed of representatives from various BARMM offices, will oversee the implementation of PWD-focused policies.
Estrella stressed that true inclusion requires more than legislation—it demands practical opportunities for PWDs in employment and services. The BARMM government aims to make inclusivity a lived reality, not just a policy goal. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)
