Cotabato City – January 22, 2025
The Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC) showcased the vital role of volunteerism in developing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during its 6th Founding Anniversary celebration. Held from January 20-24, 2025, the event brought together stakeholders from civil society organizations (CSOs), government agencies, the academe, and the media to promote a culture of service and inclusivity within the region.
A key celebration event was the launch of the BEDC-Private Sector Organization (PSO) Accreditation Portal. The portal, organized by the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), streamlines governance processes, data sharing, and transactions for PSOs seeking BEDC accreditation. The initiative reflects the region’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity.
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) actively participated in the event, with Senior Volunteer Service Officer Maribel F. Larracochea leading a session titled “Volunteerism 101.” The session provided an overview of the principles of volunteerism, its paradigms, and its importance in driving societal progress and government initiatives. Attendees shared their experiences, challenges, and best practices, illustrating the deeply rooted volunteerism culture in BARMM.
Adding a personal touch to the program was the inspiring stories of 2019 and 2024 Search for Outstanding Volunteer (SOV) awardees in the Individual Youth Category, Ms. Aliah Adam and Mr. Jorjani Sinsuat. Both awardees recounted their respective journeys as young volunteers during their high school years. They highlighted how volunteerism shaped their lives, fueled by community support and their unwavering commitment to service.
“Volunteerism is not only changing lives today, but it is also planting seeds for tomorrow,” said Ms. Adam, urging participants to continue inspiring and uplifting their communities. Similarly, Mr. Sinsuat encouraged his fellow Bangsamoro volunteers to share their stories, inspire people, and join the SOV to promote the spirit of volunteerism.
The event also featured key figures, including BPDA Deputy Director General Engr. Amil J. Abubakar, Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Executive Director Mr. Rhadzni Taalim, and BPDA Director II Ms. Melanie M. Indar, who joined over 50 representatives from PSOs across the region.
All photos credit to BPDA




Strengthening Media and Youth Partnerships
Through the facilitation of the BEDC particularly by the BPDA, PNVSCA’s Ms. Larracochea met with the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO), led by Executive Director Ameen Andrew Alonto, to discuss the implementation of the 2025 Bayanihan Media Awards (BMA). This initiative aims to recognize media practitioners who use their platforms to advance volunteerism. The discussion centered on overcoming challenges in implementation and ensuring broader participation in the awards program.

In another meeting, PNVSCA collaborated with the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) to bolster youth volunteer programs in the region. BYC Commissioner Nasserudin D. Dunding and 2021 Outstanding COVID-19 Volunteer Awardee Mr. Lo Ivan R. Castillon shared updates on the Bangsamoro Youth Volunteer Program (BYVP), whose framework is patterned after PNVSCA’s Volunteer Management System module. The program continues to engage hundreds of youth organizations, cultivating leadership and service among the Bangsamoro youth.
All photos credit to BYC


A Shared Vision for Development
The activities culminated with a courtesy call to BPDA Director General and BEDC Technical Secretariat Head, Engr. Mohajirin T Ali, MNSA. He expressed gratitude for PNVSCA’s unwavering support for BPDA’s initiatives and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in embedding volunteerism into BARMM’s development plans.

Themed “Salamat BARMM: Pagpupugay sa Anim na Taong Paglilingkod sa Bangsamoro,” the 6th Founding Anniversary celebrated the region’s progress, anchored in community service and resilience. PNVSCA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting BARMM’s endeavors, promoting volunteerism as a foundation for sustainable development and a reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
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For more information on the article, please contact Ms. Maribel F. Larracochea, Senior Volunteer Service Officer of the Policy, Advocacy and Technical Services Division (PATSD), Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, through email at [email protected] or mobile/viber number: 0921-5796759.
Visit PNVSCA website (www.pnvsca.gov.ph) and PNVSCA Facebook (facebook.com/PNVSCA) for other stories and information on volunteering.