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COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Parliament headed by Speaker Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., on Monday, May 25, inaugurated a newly renovated lobby at its Parliament Building at the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) here in the city, the regional capital.
Funding for the renovation came from the European Union (EU) through the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, as European diplomats reaffirmed support for the region’s peace and democratic transition.
Among those present were Massimo Santoro, ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines, and Miguel Utray Delgado, ambassador of Spain to the Philippines.
Yacob said the renovation forms part of ongoing efforts to improve parliamentary facilities during the transition period in the region.
The EU and Spain both reiterated support for the Bangsamoro peace process and the transition to regular parliamentary governance in the region.
Santoro assured the EU’s continued support for governance and peace-building initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), while Delgado cited Spain’s backing for preparations for the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections (BPE) already scheduled on September 14, 2026.
Other dignitaries present at the event included UNOPS Philippines Country Manager Peter Browne, members of the Parliament (MPs), and officials of the Bangsamoro Government.
Mohajirin Ali said the EU-funded SUBATRA programme continues to support institutional strengthening and democratic governance initiatives within BARMM.
In a message delivered by Deputy Presidential Adviser Isidro L. Purisima, Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento said the national government remains committed to implementing the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and sustaining peace efforts in the region.
Yacob cites support of SUBATRA, international community
Yacob led the formal acceptance of the newly renovated Parliament Building Lobby, BTA.
In his acceptance speech, Speaker Yacob expressed gratitude to the SUBATRA Programme and international partners for their continued support to the Bangsamoro peace and development process.
“Today, we gather not merely to inaugurate a refurbished lobby but to celebrate a shared commitment to institutional growth, dignity in public service, and the ongoing strengthening of parliamentary governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” Yacob emphasized.
He said the project represents more than a physical improvement, describing it as “a meaningful symbol of partnership, trust, and collective aspiration toward a more responsive, credible, and people-centered Bangsamoro governance.”
The Speaker also highlighted the importance of integrity, accountability, and professionalism in strengthening institutions and sustaining public trust.
“We deeply acknowledge the unwavering support of the SUBATRA Programme and all development partners who continue to walk with the Bangsamoro Government in our journey of transition, reform, and institution-building,” he added.
Yacob formally accepted the project on behalf of the Bangsamoro Parliament, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation among stakeholders in building stronger institutions for future generations of Bangsamoro. (BTA Media Unit/Office of the Speaker)