MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament is moving to finalize Bill No. 336, also known as the proposed Bangsamoro Gender and Development (BGAD) Code, with hopes of passing it before International Women’s Day on March 8.
Despite ongoing debates and a thorough review by all 80 Bangsamoro lawmakers, the committee remains optimistic about its timely approval.
Diamila Disimban-Ramos, Committee Chair of the Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Committee, emphasized that the BGAD Code is “not just for women—it’s for everyone.”
The Code garnered significant support for its comprehensive approach to gender equality following a series of public hearings and deliberations.
Accordingly, public hearings in Metro Manila and stakeholder discussions have been instrumental in refining the Code. Several notable suggestions include the inclusion of gender-inclusive mechanisms in transitional justice processes and provisions that promote the sharing of household duties among men.
Bainon Karon, Chairperson of the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), led the drafting of the code and highlighted that it aims to empower women affected by discrimination and violence.
“It is essential to enable women to make decisions and contribute to the region’s development,” Karon said.
The Code, consisting seven chapters and 156 sections, covers essential areas like healthcare access, education, employment, social security, and protection against gender-based violence. It also incorporates Islamic principles to ensure that the promotion of gender equality aligns with the region’s cultural and religious beliefs.
While respecting local customs, the committee has emphasized the importance of aligning the proposed law with national legislation, such as addressing sensitive issues like early child marriages.
Another significant provision in the proposed BGAD Code is the requirement for all ministries, agencies, and offices in BARMM to allocate 5 percent of their budget to gender-related programs. It was noted that budget allocation is a crucial step toward mainstreaming gender-sensitive policies across all sectors.
The BGAD Code’s enactment will serve as a cornerstone for gender-sensitive governance in the region, setting the stage for a more inclusive and equal Bangsamoro.
The Code is introduced by the Government of the Day and set to be the first comprehensive legal framework in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Muslim in Mindanao (BARMM) to address gender-based violence and ensure equal participation for both men and women in political, economic, and cultural fields while promoting the empowerment of marginalized communities. (BIO with reports from BTA Parliament/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
