Featured image above shows BARMM response to victims of the recent earthquake in Southern Philippines as it deploys assistance in Sarangani province through the Bangsamoro READi agency of the MILF-BDRRMC. (Credit: BARMM READi)
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COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Government is strengthening disaster response and preparedness measures as it addresses the impact of the recent Mindanao earthquake, monitors rising fuel prices, and prepares for the possible effects of El Niño.
These were among the key matters discussed during the 82nd Regular Cabinet Meeting on June 22, where Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua and members of his Cabinet reviewed ongoing interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable sectors and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential public services.
“Every action we take must strengthen public trust and ensure that government remains responsive to the needs of the Bangsamoro people and bring us closer to our Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro Agenda,” Macacua said.
On the other hand, Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun said the Cabinet received updates on government interventions addressing recent emergencies and emerging challenges affecting the region.
Earthquake, oil crisis response
Among the key issues discussed was the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that recently struck parts of Mindanao. In response, the Bangsamoro Government mobilized relief and emergency response efforts through its ministries and agencies.
The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government’s (MILG) Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) maintained Blue Alert status while conducting continuous monitoring and coordination with local disaster risk reduction and management offices. The ministry also prepositioned 30,000 food packs and deployed Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) teams to affected areas.
The Bangsamoro Government provided 5,000 food packs each to Sarangani Province, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi. Assistance was also extended to 462 affected families in Datu Odin Sinsuat, while Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams were deployed to support response operations.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Health (MOH) distributed emergency health and nutrition supplies, including hygiene kits, breastfeeding kits, water purification tablets, oral rehydration solutions, micronutrient supplements, therapeutic food packs, and essential medicines. Psychosocial support materials were also provided for children and families affected by the earthquake.
The Cabinet also reviewed the impact of rising fuel prices on government operations and the delivery of essential services.
Pendatun said discussions highlighted that rising fuel prices affected not only the transportation sector but also other vulnerable sectors, particularly healthcare facilities in island provinces where hospitals rely heavily on fuel-powered generators to maintain operations.
To address this, the MOH proposed expanding the use of solar energy systems in hospitals to reduce fuel dependency and help ensure the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services.
Preparation for El Niño
The Cabinet likewise assessed the region’s preparedness for a possible El Niño episode. The latest forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicate a 60 percent probability that El Niño conditions could persist and intensify in the coming months through early 2027.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which can lead to prolonged dry spells, reduced rainfall, water shortages, and lower agricultural production in many parts of the country.
The regional government is closely monitoring the situation, particularly its possible effects on agriculture, water supply, and food production.
Concerned ministries have been directed to strengthen contingency measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño and ensure resources are readily available to support affected communities.
The Bangsamoro region, established in 2018 by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to implement the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), is made up of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi, and the Special Geographic Area (SGA) with right municipalities.
According to the Philippine Atlas BARMM has 4,404,288 people. It has 116 municipalities: Basilan, 11 municipalities; Lanao del Sur, 39; undivided Maguindanao, 36; Sulu, 19; and Tawi-Tawi, 11. Its component cities are Cotabato (the regional center and capital) in Maguindanao; Lamitan in Basilan; and Marawi in Lanao del Sur. — Jehana Baunto/BIO (✓)